Ofwat highlights customer service standards expectations from water companies
Regina Finn, Chief Executive of Ofwat, has written to the Managing Directors of all water and sewerage companies and water only companies to inform them of the outcome of the review of companies' systems, procedures and controls for compliance with customer service regulations and reporting of customer service data to Ofwat.
Ofwat failing to match other regulators in encouraging competition
The House of Lords Committee on Regulators today criticised Ofwat for failing to match the success of other economic regulators in introducing competition to their market. The Committee's report UK Economic Regulators concludes that UK economic regulators perform well in promoting competition and competitiveness and argues that there is no need to re-write the legislation that established them, but stresses that Ofwat (the economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales) needs to do more to facilitate competition in the water market.
Tighter standards for bathing water quality
Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government have published proposals today for delivering improved bathing water quality under the revised Bathing Water Directive. Views on these proposals are sought as part of a consultation which runs until 4 February 2008.
Ofwat City Briefing highlights delays in capital investment programme
Ofwat gave a formal City Briefing yesterday with presentations from Philip Fletcher, Chairman of Ofwat and Regina Finn, Chief Executive.
South Staffordshire Water sold to private investment firm
South Staffordshire Water was sold by the Bahrain-based Arcapita Bank yesterday to the independent private investment firm Alinda Capital Partners at an estimated price of £400 millon.
UK needs powerful climate change minister
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today published the results of its inquiry into the adequacy of the current structure and operation of government in dealing with the challenge posed by climate change. The Committee is calling for the creation of a new post of climate change minister.
Expansion sought by new water company in Northamptonshire
Ofwat is beginning a consultation today into plans by Independent Water Networks Limited (IWNL) to provide water and sewerage services to a second new development in Northamptonshire.
Ofwat comments on private sewers transfer options
Ofwat has written to the Government to set out its views on implementation options for the transfer of private sewers and lateral drains into the ownership of water and sewerage companies.
Northern Ireland water rates delayed until 2009
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy told the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday that water Rates will be introduced into Northern Ireland but the ratepayers will not be expected to pay twice for the service.
New drought powers for water companies
News Showcase
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Making storm overflow data make Sense – Metasphere launches dedicated monitoring device
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.” -
King’s Award for Enterprise shows ERG moving forward with growth in UK and Asia
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise. -
Welsh Water’s ORAI system shortlisted for three categories at the British Data Awards 2026
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers. -
Barhale completes two Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects for Severn Trent
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
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Scottish Water completes £235m investment in two-way connection between drinking water networks
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply. -
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Top Stories
- Arup on the next water transition: designing resilient water systems for an age of extremes
- Lords Committee warns taps could run dry if Government doesn’t act on drought threat - “England at risk of sleepwalking into serious water scarcity"
- Chancellor announces further reforms on judicial review of major infrastructure projects
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