Water networks

Sustainability in a global pandemic: What role must water companies play?

Arthur Mitchell, engagement manager at PwC's Strategy& division, considers how water companies can support customers through this difficult time while balancing the sustainability impacts of increased consumption during lockdown.

Calls for tobacco-style warning for wipes

Lanes Group and Unblocktober are calling for manufacturers to be clearer about the damage wet wipes can cause with evocative packaging inspired by cigarette boxes to feature on non-flushable wipes

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.

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.

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).

Portsmouth launches biodiversity fund

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

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.

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

No English waterways free from chemical pollution

MPs form APPG on chalk streams

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