10 Jul 2024
UKWIR’s 2023/4 Annual Review is now available. Click here to download your copy. Inside you will find: Highlights from the past year: A look back at UKWIR’s most notable achievements over the last 12 months, significant research projects and reports, secured funding and partnerships Refreshed research: An overview of our new, wide-ranging research strategy to […]
10 Jul 2024
According to The Guardian, the prime minister and chancellor have been briefed by Whitehall officials that the poor state of Thames Water presents a “critical risk” to the country. Fears about the company go beyond its precarious financial position and include the management of sites that provide drinking water and sewage treatment for millions of […]
10 Jul 2024
Thames Water’s annual results have raised some eyebrows this week, as they suggest the company only has sufficient funding to operate until May 2025. The results have raised fears over its potential collapse, unless investors provide additional funds. In light of concerns about Thames, Ofwat has published an Information note on Thames Water’s draft determination. […]
10 Jul 2024
The Environment Agency is exploring the feasibility of using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning technology to digitise, read and interpret 10,000 years’ worth of hydrological data on river levels and flows. The risk of flooding and drought within England is a priority area of focus for the Environment Agency (EA) which strives to protect […]
03 Jul 2024
The Labour Party manifesto doesn’t say much about water, but it does include Putting water companies into ‘special measures’. Although there is no detail on what these measures might be, they could include Giving new powers to regulators to block water bosses’ bonuses for pollution Introducing criminal charges for persistent law-breaking and automatic fines for […]
03 Jul 2024
More legal problems for the government, regulators and the water industry this week, including The Supreme Court ruling against United Utilities in appeal case on sewage discharges brought by Manchester Ship Canal Company. According to The Guardian, the ruling paves the way for businesses and public to sue water firms over sewage. The story is […]
03 Jul 2024
Last week, The Guardian reported that “hours before its shareholders U-turned on plans to pump emergency funding” the Thames Water board had approved the payment of a £150 million dividend to intermediate parent company Kemble Water Eurobond. On Tuesday this week, the matter was discussed on the Today programme, with Ofwat denying it had agreed […]
03 Jul 2024
Watershed Investigations has published the Watershed Pollution Map, revealing “a huge range of potential pollution sources that can harm rivers, lakes, groundwater, coasts and more”. It shows: river, lake and groundwater health bathing water health damaged and protected waters sewage dumping chemical pollution urban and road pollution substances being discharged into waters years of Environment […]
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