Wastewater companies have set out how they are going to cut the harm they cause to rivers, following calls from the regulator and concerns from the public. Ofwat has posted a statement welcoming the immediate commitments to tackle these issues alongside areas for improvement. The Ofwat statement reads:

‘Ofwat is pleased to see some companies have committed to make immediate progress on this issue, with Anglian Water, Severn Trent, South West Water and Northumbrian Water all committing to reduce their storm overflow spills to an average of 20 per year by 2025. However, there are also companies that have shown limited ambition to act before 2025 beyond pre-existing plans set three years ago. It is also important for all companies to make their plans public and accessible, to increase trust with the public on river health.

David Black, Ofwat CEO, says:

“Wastewater companies know that the current situation regarding pollution in rivers is unacceptable and has to change. I am pleased to see the firm commitments to take action within some of the plans, which sets the pace for others to follow. These commitments need to be turned to actions which can and must start now.

“Companies that are lagging behind need to catch up with the leading companies. Where companies are failing to meet their legal obligations, we will not hesitate to take action. All wastewater companies are still subject to our ongoing investigation on how they manage their sewage treatment works.”

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

“Through our Environment Act, we are the first government to instruct water companies to reduce the harm caused by storm overflows. Water companies have been allowed to get away with it for too long, and they must step up.

“We will be monitoring the progress of water companies, and where they do not deliver we will not hesitate to take further robust action.”

Further information on the Ofwat statement can be read here and here.