Severn Trent and United Utilities have both issued formal responses to Ofwat’s announcement yesterday of the launch of enforcement cases against four more companies in its ongoing wastewater treatment investigation.

The Section 203 notices served on United Utilities, Severn Trent Water and sister company Hafren Dyfrdwy enable Ofwat to request information to ascertain whether or not there has in fact been any non-compliance in relation to their wastewater treatment processes as part of Ofwat's sector wide investigation - and ultimately whether any actions are required to ensure compliance on a forward-looking basis.

A Section 203 notice does not imply that Ofwat will conclude that there has been any operating licence contravention or that they will pursue formal enforcement action or impose a financial penalty.

Severn Trent – “we are confident in reaching a resolution as quickly as possible”

Severn Trent commented:

“At Severn Trent we have consistently demonstrated that we are a sector leader on environmental performance, and we have significant resource across our organisation dedicated to reaching global best practice on CSO spills, going well beyond compliance. We have always maintained full transparency regarding our wastewater operations and will continue to do so.

“It is important to recognise that:

Severn Trent have committed to going further and faster than anyone else in the sector on tackling the issue of CSO spills. We announced in May our plans to deliver solutions to 900 individual CSOs in this year alone, in addition to over £1 billion of investment included in our PR24 Draft Determination. Our plans take us well beyond compliance as we target reaching global best practice.”

“Ofwat recognises that we are a sector leader in this area. In its press release this morning, Ofwat said, "Severn Trent has recently announced an ambitious programme to significantly reduce use of storm overflow which Ofwat welcomes. The investigation will consider both current and past performance and reflect on the steps companies are now taking in deciding if and what action is needed".

“In its assessment of PR24 Business Plans, Ofwat identified Severn Trent's plan as "outstanding", with specific reference to our performance targets on storm overflows as being "particularly ambitious".

“We will work constructively with Ofwat on this matter and are confident in reaching a resolution as quickly as possible.”

United Utilities - “we will continue to work openly and constructively with Ofwat”

United Utilities said it will continue to work openly and constructively with Ofwat, commenting:

“In 2021 Ofwat launched an industry wide investigation into how companies manage their wastewater assets. Ofwat has announced that United Utilities Water (UUW) will be included alongside other companies who have previously been the subject of enforcement investigations since 2022.

“UUW has received an information request relating to the performance and operation of its wastewater assets. We will respond to the data request to provide Ofwat with the information it requires to undertake its investigation. Issuing the information request does not imply that Ofwat will conclude that formal enforcement action and/or a financial penalty will be imposed.

“We understand and share people's concerns about the health of the environment and the operation of wastewater systems, including combined sewer overflows. UUW is delivering billions of pounds of investment in environmental improvements. We have a dedicated 500 strong team working across the region, driving reductions in the number of spills. This team comprises some of the best data scientists, engineers and construction experts who are innovating and accelerating progress for the benefit of customers, communities and the environment in the North West.

“We will continue to work openly and constructively with Ofwat to comply with the formal notice issued as part of its ongoing industry investigation.”