Ruth Williams

UU develops AI to distinguish leak size

United Utilities has reached a milestone in leakage detection by developing its AI to identify the size of leaks in networks so technicians can prioritise repairs. The Fido system distinguishes data from loggers while ignoring background noises for improved accuracy.

Defra launches £10 million environmental grant

The EA and Defra have launched a fund to attract green finance by kickstarting schemes that improve the natural environment and have the potential to attract private sector investment.

Final pitches urge CMA to ‘reset the dial’

This week marks one year since the deadline for water companies in England and Wales to accept or reject Ofwat's final determinations for PR19. Ruth Williams delves into the final submissions to the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) - from the appellant companies and the regulator - and recaps the arguments so far.

On the move: More change at Thames; EA appoints new board

After Kelly Macfarlane's departure from Thames Water, the company has appointed a director of retail; elsewhere the Environment Agency has named three board members.

Northumbrian joins Covid-19 testing programme

Severn Trent ramps up sewer monitoring

Severn Trent is ramping up its use of smart sewer monitoring devices after the success of a trial. The company reported 25 per cent fewer blockages and a 15 per cent reduction in pollution incidents during the first year of AMP7

Ofwat calls for clarity on dividends

United Utilities sells stake in overseas water company

United Utilities has sold the stake it has held in Estonian water company Tallinna Vesi for more than 20 years. It will use the proceeds from the sale for its green recovery plans for the north west region

PAC tells Treasury to put environment at heart of spending decisions

Water bills to fall amid surge in uptake of support

Household water bills are set to drop by an average of £2 from April, which after inflation will be the same rate as a decade ago. Bills and reductions vary between companies, but most households will save at a time when more customers across England and Wales are accessing payment support schemes than ever before.