Somerset flooding - Prime Minister gives dredging go-ahead
Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons yesterday that the Environment Agency will begin dredging the rivers in the Somerset Levels which continues to be badly affected by flooding "as soon as it is practical."
Environment Agency defends its position on Somerset flooding
The Environment Agency is taking further steps to defend its response to flooding in the Somerset Levels – including an appearance by Agency Chairman Lord Chris Smith on the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme this morning.
Pumping continues to remove flood waters on Somerset Levels
The largest pumping operation ever undertaken in Somerset is continuing as the Somerset Levels experience the highest level of flooding for almost two decades.
Ongoing flood risk - major incident called for the whole of Somerset
Somerset County Council has this afternoon called a major incident for the whole of Somerset in the light of ongoing flood risk for the region.
Thames Water warns rising groundwater poses flooding threat
Thames Water is warning that rising groundwater continues to present a risk of flooding in hotspots across the Thames Valley.
Wildlife charities express concern over dredging plans for Somerset Levels
The RSPB and the Somerset Wildlife Trust are calling on MPs and others to press government and its agencies to develop a water management strategy for a more flood-resilient future on the Somerset Levels that benefits both people and wildlife. However, the charities have also expressed concern over calls for dredging to address the issue.
Welsh Government to fund additional £2m for flood repairs
Welsh Government Minister for Natural Resources and Food, Alun Davies has announced an additional £2m to fund emergency repairs to flood defences that were damaged in the recent storms.
Environment Agency flood response criticised by MPs
The Environment Agency’s response to flooding was criticised by a number of MPs in a debate in the House of Commons yesterday to discuss ongoing flooding on the Somerset Levels.
Experts warn over continued delay on surface water management action and SuDS
Yet more unacceptable delays to the implementation of long-awaited legislation to make Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) compulsory for new developments in England and Wales have been exacerbated by an "overly-idealistic" interpretation of SuDS as natural above-ground drainage features, experts have warned.
Government announces nearly £7m extra for flood recovery funding
Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis has announced a further funding package of £6.7 million for local authorities affected by recent flooding and severe weather.
News Showcase
-
IED compliance – using automated sliding floodgates to support secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites. -
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.
Expert Focus
News Sections
Other Latest News
- Yorkshire Water awards £80 million AMP8 Technical Services and Assurance Framework contracts
- Thames Water invests £20 million+ to improve water quality and resilience in Woodley and surrounding areas
- Ofwat sets out AI adoption plan for the water sector during transition
- Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme wins national award for outstanding use of digital innovation
- Yorkshire Water to start work on £73.5 million investment to improve Rotherham’s rivers
- Wessex Water to start work on River Anton enhancement in Andover
Watch
-
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. -
United Utilities accelerates investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across Northwest
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest. -
Working for WSP - what if you could build a career as unique as you? With us, you can
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.
Login / Register
New Account Registrations
To register for a new account with Waterbriefing, please contact us via email at waterbriefing@imsbis.org
Existing waterbriefing users - log into the new website using your original username and the new password 'waterbriefing'. You can then change your password once logged in.