Environment Agency warns reduced funding is impacting its ability to deal with pollution incidents
The Environment Agency says that its attendance at pollution incidents is reducing as funding to deal with them has been reduced. The EA is warning that more serious pollution incidents are caused by activities it does not regulate and that “resources are needed to fund this work because one day one could be catastrophic.”
Ofwat consults on proposals for water company performance commitments in PR24
Ofwat has published a new discussion paper setting out its emerging proposals for performance commitments in PR24.
Ofwat Chief highlights failure of business retail market to deliver improvements in water efficiency, innovation and poor quality data
David Black, Interim Chief Executive at Ofwat has highlighted ongoing issues in the business retail market, including market frictions in terms of data quality and wholesaler performance, insufficient levels of innovation and failure of the market to deliver improvements to water efficiency.
Housing company fined £200,000 for polluting Huddersfield watercourse with silt
Miller Homes Ltd has been fined £200,000 for polluting a Huddersfield watercourse for more than 1km, after an investigation by the Environment Agency. The firm was previously fined £100,000 in 2016 for a similar offence in 2013 at the same site.
New report says sewage discharge notifications by water companies rose 87.6% in 2020/21
A new report by campaigning group Surfers Against Sewage has revealed that 5,517 sewage discharge notifications were issued by water companies over a 12-month period (01.10. 2020 to 30.09.2021) - an increase of 87.6%.
Wessex Water develops new strategy which will “revolutionise regulation” of the water sector
Wessex Water has published a new report setting out a new strategy developed in collaboration with Frontier Economics which it says will revolutionise regulation of the water industry.
Sewage discharge costs Thames Water £4m+ in court
Thames Water Utilities Ltd has been fined £4 million and ordered to pay the prosecution costs of £90,713 for discharging an estimated half a million litres of raw sewage into the Seacourt and Hinksey streams in Oxford on 24 and 25 July 2016.
Direct Procurement for Customers - Water Industry Forum outlines key factors for successful projects
Factors critical to the success of ‘Direct Procurement for Customers’ (DPC) projects have been published by the Water Industry Forum following a multi-stakeholder roundtable held by the Forum in September 2021.
Sewage works investigation widely welcomed but “frankly long overdue” - regulators criticised for failure to apologise
NGOs and MPs have welcomed the launch of the Environment Agency’s and Ofwat’s investigation into sewage treatment works – but criticised the regulators’ action as “long overdue” and for their failure to apologise for the long delay in taking action.
Water companies could face legal action after investigation launched into sewage discharges
The Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat have launched a major investigation into sewage treatment works, after new checks led to water companies admitting that they could be releasing unpermitted sewage discharges into rivers and watercourses.
Final in-period ODI determinations for 2020-21 - Ofwat confirms £67m to be repaid to customers
Ofwat has confirmed the payments due to companies or customers as a result of water company performance against their 2020-21 performance commitments. Overall, £67 million will be repaid to customers.
Government says new Environment Act will "crack down" on water companies that discharge sewage
The Environment Act has now become law – Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Act will crack down on water companies that discharge sewage into rivers, waterways and coastlines.
News Showcase
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Spotlight on wastewater treatment with prestigious television slot for Lakeside on All Access with Andy Garcia
In a TV show that will explain the complex journey of the wastewater treatment process, Lakeside Equipment Corporation is set to feature in US Public Television’s All Access program with Andy Garcia. -
Environmental Services & Solutions Expo 2025 unveils packed agenda featuring government leaders and industry trailblazers
Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, the UK’s largest environmental event, has released the full speaker programme for its 2025 event, which now features seven shows spanning all corners of the environmental sector, under one roof at the NEC Birmingham. -
HUBER Technology - Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo 2025
We are exhibiting at WWEM – Water, Wastewater and Environmental Management Expo, which is one of the eight exhibitions taking place at the NEC, Birmingham 17-18 September 2025 as part of ESS Expo 2025. Please come along and visit us at Stand WW-S60. -
SuDS role grows under new water rules
Publication of the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report, alongside new legislation and updated national standards, marks a major turning point in the wider adoption of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) by water companies and developers, according to Alex Stephenson, director, SuDSPlanter.
Expert Focus
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Other Latest News
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- Scottish Water’s Craigmaddie Reservoir Project recognised at 2025 Scottish Civil Engineering Awards
- Scottish Water tenders £80 million contract for modular construction of new Juniper House laboratory facility
Watch
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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. -
What's to be done about the UK's failing utilities - is special administration the solution?
What is to be done about the UK’s failing utilities? Listen to Professor Dieter Helm explore the options to tackle the UK’s failing utilities – Thames Water, the Royal Mail and Network Rail in particular.
Top Stories
- Scottish Water tenders £80 million contract for modular construction of new Juniper House laboratory facility
- Defra consults on proposals to revise Water Efficiency Standards - new water saving plans would reduce bills and unblock thousands of new homes
- RAPID Annual Progress Review 2024-25 flags up achievements - and areas for improvement
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