13 Jul 2023

Pennon Group, owners of South West Water and Bristol Water, have announced the £85 million acquisition of three new (unbuilt) renewable energy generation projects, as part of their commitment to long-term sustainable growth in the UK’s environmental infrastructure. According to Pennon, “this significant milestone propels Pennon closer to achieving their ambitious 2030 Net Zero commitment […]

13 Jul 2023

The Guardian reported this week that the European Commission is poised to break a promise to outlaw all but the most essential of Europe’s hazardous chemicals. The pledge to “ban the most harmful chemicals in consumer products, allowing their use only where essential” was a flagship component of the European green deal when it was […]

13 Jul 2023

One Water news reports that nearly half of U.S. drinking water supplies likely contain at least one form of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a recently published study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Commonly known as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment, PFAS comprise a class of thousands […]

13 Jul 2023

Yorkshire Water and Fera Science Ltd are collaborating in early-stage research to explore and test the feasibility of using insect bioconversion to manage sewage sludge. Richard Kershaw, Waste Water Innovation Programme Manager, Yorkshire Water said: “Yorkshire Water is committed to exploring innovative approaches to dealing with the most challenging aspects of waste water management, including sewage sludge. The science […]

05 Jul 2023

Ofwat has issued a statement on financial resilience in the water sector, seeking to provide reassurance following recent media reports, especially concerning Thames Water. The regulator says that “overall, the sector is continuing to attract international capital and is especially attractive to long term investors such as pension funds. Indeed, there has been an additional […]

05 Jul 2023

The multi-stakeholder National Drought Group met last week to discuss the impact of the hottest June on record on reservoir and groundwater levels and river flows. As of 20 June, total reservoir stocks for England were at 83% of their total capacity. Devon, Cornwall and parts of East Anglia remain in drought. In the Lake […]

05 Jul 2023

The government has updated its guidance for applying for bathing water designation in England. The guidance on applying to de-designate existing bathing waters has also been updated. The updates mean that the application process is now easier to follow and ensures the criteria for designation are clearly set out. Defra will use the updated guidance to […]

05 Jul 2023

WildFish charity says £56bn plan to reduce sewage dumping from storm overflows is illegal because it expects customers to foot bill The legal challenge brought by WildFish, which seeks to have the Government’s sewage plan rejected as unlawful and re-written, is being heard in the High Court this week. WildFish wants the Government to: Enforce […]