Environment

Latest

Water ‘centre of excellence’ due in Spring

Meeting the challenges of climate change, over population and PR19 will take innovation and collaboration both within and beyond the water sector. To realise this, a water "centre of excellence" has been conceived and will be launched in the spring.

4 years ago

Pollution incidents ‘worst since 2011’

Pollution incidents reported by water companies rose in 2019, with Southern, South West and Northumbrian named as the worst offenders, while Wessex, Severn Trent and United Utilities each scored well.

4 years ago

Ofwat: CMA’s allowed returns are too generous

Ofwat has expressed concern that in its PR19 provisional redeterminations, the CMA has set a rate of return that is lower than that requested by the appellant companies in their business plans. Senior director David Black told Utility Week this goes against the precedent of previous cases. Read his comments and reaction from across the industry.

4 years ago

Welsh Water asks government to ban plastic wet wipes

Welsh Water have called for wet wipes that contain plastic to be included in a government proposal to ban single-use plastics. The move is supported by 84 per cent of customers.

4 years ago

Affinity calls time on chalk stream abstraction

In the midst of public outcry over the health of English rivers, Affinity Water has said it will stop abstracting from chalk streams, with the process to kick off from World Rivers Day (27 September).

4 years ago

Portsmouth launches biodiversity fund

Portsmouth has launched a fund for enhancing biodiversity at its operational sites following customer feedback that prioritised the environment

4 years ago

Covid-19 bad debts hit water sector ratings

After a ripple of downgrading in the water sector on the back of final determinations earlier this year, companies are further challenged by the financial impacts of Covid-19. Fitch warns there is limited headroom for manoeuvre

4 years ago

SVT commits to biodiversity with Boost campaign

4 years ago

MOSL calls for innovation fund to be inclusive of non-domestic sector

Innovation in the water sector should not overlook the role the non-household suppliers and customers can play. MOSL has urged the sector to include non-household usage, data and the stakeholders as it moves forward with the 2050 Water Innovation Strategy

4 years ago

Natural capital value of SuDS outweighs costs

January will mark two years since sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) became mandatory in Wales - a move which could soon follow in England. Welsh Water’s director of wastewater Steve Wilson tells Utility Week that during that time SuDS have vastly reduced the use of combined sewer overflows (CSOs), increased biodiversity and saved hundreds of properties from flooding.

4 years ago

SVT help water voles return to Shropshire

The health of English rivers has come under fierce public scrutiny in recent months for declining biodiversity but in Shropshire 100 water voles have been reintroduced as part of work by Severn Trent and the EA

4 years ago

No English waterways free from chemical pollution

4 years ago

MPs form APPG on chalk streams

With public concern about waterways growing, two Hertfordshire MPs have formed an all-party group on chalk streams

4 years ago

Fletcher raises ‘serious concerns’ to PAC

Following a scathing government report on the management of water supplies, Ofwat's chief executive has defended its approach to resilience, bills and investment

4 years ago

Water sector needs greater ambition on reducing pollution

4 years ago

Pow challenges water companies to better protect environment

4 years ago

Anglian calls for longer-term resource planning

4 years ago

Public vastly underestimate their water consumption

The majority of householders have no conception of how much water they use, with 78 per cent believing they consume under 60 litres a day. This is according to a new survey from Water UK, which says the results underline the need for education around the value of water to help people lower their usage.

4 years ago

Preliminary work underway at Havant Thicket

4 years ago

CMA ‘on track’ to deliver PR19 redeterminations next month

The Competition and Markets Authority has told Utility Week it expects to hit its deadline of mid-September to deliver its first take on the appeals by four water companies to Ofwat's final determinations on their AMP7 business plans. All eyes will be on any adjustments to WACC, what value is placed on customer input and the levels of investment permitted.

4 years ago