Pollution management

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.

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.

Yorkshire: This is still a tough settlement

Yorkshire Water has told Utility Week that notwithstanding the gains allowed by the CMA on its PR19 appeal, the regulatory settlement remains tough, particularly with the opex challenge and difficult ODIs to deliver.

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.

Thames uses innovative repair technique for ‘most complex’ burst pipe

Thames Water has shared details of an innovative technique it used to repair a pipe by sending engineers inside the pipe instead of patching the 90cm burst.

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.

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

SVT commits to biodiversity with Boost campaign

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

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.

No English waterways free from chemical pollution

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

Water sector needs greater ambition on reducing pollution

Tideway floats largest structure ever to pass along the Thames

Anglian calls for longer-term resource planning