Ofwat has published a position paper on water charges and company profits.
The paper explains the basis on which the companies funded, the need to make profits to reward investors and to raise capital to finance their investment programmes. It also points out the fact that Ofwat has no formal powers to control profits – but that it also has a statutory duty to ensure that companies are able to finance their functions, particularly by securing a reasonable return on their capital. Ofwat has also pointed out that it has no formal power to control dividends. The paper has been released at a time when the water and wastewater companies have begun to announce their annual financial results. The water companies have already been the target of criticism suggesting that they are set to make run-away profits. Earlier this week United Utilities announced a greater than expected 17% increase in profits for 2007-08 when it published its results.
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.”
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 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 has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
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.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.