Ofwat puts pressure on CSO action

David Black has written to water and sewerage companies to underline the importance of monitoring storm overflows and asking executive teams and boards to gain a “full and accurate picture” of their assets and performance.

The interim chief executive of Ofwat told companies they need to be actively considering the environmental impact of combined sewage overflows (CSOs) and have a clear and timely strategy for addressing any shortcomings.

The letter set out expectations for water and sewerage providers to ensure teams have correct data and insights, processes and controls in place to monitor and drive improvements relating to CSOs.

“In our future meetings, I will be particularly keen to hear how you are tackling this area and what action you are taking to satisfy yourself, your board and your customers and stakeholders that you are taking appropriate steps to meet your obligations.”

Black encouraged early engagement from any company that believes it needs to take further steps. He added a reminder that Ofwat coordinates with regulators the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to be informed of compliance and would use enforcement powers where relevant.

The reminder follows growing interest in the usage of CSOs and criticisms that underinvestment has overstretched the sewer systems, which have not kept apace with population growth.

The warning came after Southern Water cleaned a Kent beach following a spillage from one of its pumping stations, which was struck by lightning this week. During storms on Wednesday night a power outage occurred that caused the company to release wastewater from the combined storm overflow (CSO).

The company had prepared for the adverse weather with specialist teams in place across its region to respond to any incidents and had back up generators in place at the site however the lightening strike affected the operational controls.

Teams attended the beach to clean the area at first light and continued to monitor the region at different tide levels to check for residual debris along the coastline.

Southern has since identified new locations that require further cleaning. The council issued warnings to swimmers and beach users.

The company said minimising the impact was its priority and has worked with Environment Agency, Natural England and the local authority to assess the environmental damage.

Public outcry against the use of CSOs led to private members bill motioned by Philip Dunne, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. Although it did not complete the passage to law, several of its focal points have been added to the Environment Bill. Water companies, the EA and Secretary of State will all be required to report on the use of overflows.