The water industry has submitted plans to Ofwat that detail how companies intend to address the shortcomings identified in their handling of the “Beast from the East”. A Water UK report can be accessed here and Thames Water’s report is available here.

It follows widespread disruption to the network in the aftermath of the freeze/thaw in March left more than 200,000 people without water for up to four days.

Ofwat’s review into the sector’s response during the period required four water companies – Thames Water, Severn Trent, Southern Water and South East Water – to submit a detailed externally audited action plan of how they will address the issues identified.

Overall, the “Out in the Cold” review, published on 19 June, painted a mixed picture of company performance. It found some companies responded well and protected customers, but others fell short with their advance planning, response and communication with customers.

Ofwat will now review the plans in detail and intends to publish its response by mid-November.

Read Ofwat’s press notice here.