Water company bosses could face up to two years in prison due to new powers coming into force today
New powers under the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 have come into force today which could see water company bosses who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills face up to two years in prison.
King’s Speech – new Water Bill to see water chiefs face personal criminal liability for lawbreaking and bonus payments banned for poor environmental performance
King Charles' speech to Parliament this morning says the new Government will introduce a Water (Special Measures) Bill which includes strengthening Ofwat’s powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met and strengthening regulation to ensure water bosses face personal criminal liability for lawbreaking.
News Showcase
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Making storm overflow data make Sense – Metasphere launches dedicated monitoring device
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.” -
King’s Award for Enterprise shows ERG moving forward with growth in UK and Asia
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise. -
Welsh Water’s ORAI system shortlisted for three categories at the British Data Awards 2026
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers. -
Barhale completes two Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects for Severn Trent
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
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Other Latest News
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- New report from CCW and Ofwat paints damning picture of South East Water response to water supply disruption last winter
- Thames Water continue crack down on illegal network connections
- South West Water fined record c£1.9 million for drinking water failures in Brixham
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Watch
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Scottish Water completes £235m investment in two-way connection between drinking water networks
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply. -
United Utilities accelerates investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across Northwest
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest. -
Working for WSP - what if you could build a career as unique as you? With us, you can
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.
Top Stories
- Yorkshire Water seeks supply chain interest in upcoming £50 million AMP8 tender for capital delivery resourcing
- New report from CCW and Ofwat paints damning picture of South East Water response to water supply disruption last winter
- South West Water fined record c£1.9 million for drinking water failures in Brixham
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