More designated bathing water sites would have been rated ‘poor’ in 2022 had all water quality samples been included in assessments, an investigation has found, with regulators accused of a ‘painting a better picture’ of the situation at the expense of public health. The ENDS report has found that the number of ‘poor’ rated bathing […]

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Potentially toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in the drinking water sources at 17 of 18 England’s water companies, with 11,853 samples testing positive, something experts say they are “extremely alarmed” by. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a group of 10,000 or so human-made chemicals widely used in industrial processes, firefighting foams and consumer […]

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The Environment Agency has provided an update in its national investigation into potential breaches of permit conditions at wastewater treatment works by water and sewerage companies. The Agency has completed site visits, covering flow systems and monitors, maintenance regimes, management practices and site diaries. It is now moving on to the data analysis stage, but the […]

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Ofwat has opened an investigation into South East Water on whether it has failed to develop and maintain an efficient water supply system. Ofwat explained that South East Water is the worst performer for water supply interruptions in England and Wales; in 2022-23 there was an average 3 hours, 2 minutes and 21 seconds lost […]

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Official announcement Water companies could face legal action after investigation launched into sewage treatment works Major investigation announced by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into sewage treatment works. EA and Ofwat are now looking into all water and sewerage companies to assess the scale of the problem. Any company caught breaching these minimum standards will […]

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Environment Agency launches major investigation into sewage – Guardian commentary Water Briefing: ‘Responses 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. EAC – […]

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