The latest annual report on the environmental performance of the nine water and sewerage companies (WASCs) operating mainly in England from the Environment Agency says that the majority achieved close to or exceeded targets set to improve water quality.

Wessex Water and United Utilities were the top performing companies, repeating last year’s success. In a year when tougher standards were introduced, the Environment Agency said water companies had made good progress in meeting the new targets. However, the total number of pollution incidents increased to 1902 in 2016, up by 160 against 1742 in 2015, described by the Agency as “a disappointing first rise in incidents since 2012.”

While the number of serious pollution incidents has continued to decline, 2016 saw an increase in the most damaging pollution incidents, all associated with sewerage, up from four to nine after two record low years when there were only 4 per year.

It was also the first year to see several million pound fines handed out by the courts to water companies for pollution incidents.

“We are disappointed in the increase in serious category 1 pollution incidents”

Introducing the report, Emma Howard Boyd, Environment Agency Chair said that while all of the companies had made efforts to improve performance, there was still much more to do.

“While there was a slight reduction in the number of serious pollution incidents, we are disappointed in the increase in the most serious, category 1, incidents.

“We are always ready to work hard with water companies to help them improve their systems, but we will not shy away from tough action against non-compliance when necessary - however uncomfortable that may be. In 2016, we saw the highest level of fines following prosecution, at just over £6.5 million, and we also saw a rise in the number of prosecutions.”

The Environment Agency said that while the companies continue to improve their reporting of pollution to ensure impact can be minimised and wildlife protected downstream, it has urged some to make significant improvements to bring down pollution levels.

The report which ranks the nine big water and sewage companies in England on a range of measures needed to protect the environment also showed:

• All companies achieved the target to complete work to build and upgrade infrastructure which will improve water quality, water resources and river biodiversity.
• Eight out of nine companies gained full marks for protecting water supply security - crucial following the dry winter as some rivers, reservoirs and groundwaters are lower than normal for the time of year but there are no water supply issues.
• Safe recovery or disposal of sewage sludge took place 99.9% of the time and was mostly used to improve agricultural land, generate heat or power. And compliance with permits at sewage treatment and water treatment works is at 98.6% on average, while good is still short of the 100% target.
• The highest ever level of self-reporting of pollution incidents at 72% (69% in 2015) showing better asset management and enabling quicker action to reduce pollution

Dr Toby Willison, Executive Director of Operations for the Environment Agency, said:

“Water companies work hard to protect the environment. We have set more stringent targets and we are glad to see overall improvements but want to see more effort to avoid pollution incidents.

“As a fair and effective regulator we are committed to publishing results, highlighting best practice but also taking action to address any poor practice.

“While we welcome the good progress being made we will continue to address any failings and will take enforcement action in the most serious cases.”