Ofwat has published the report it commissioned from WRc plc the independent research-based group which provides consultancy in the water, waste and environment sectors, including to government and regulatory bodies.  WRc’s report reviewed the documentary evidence that Yorkshire Water provided to the Independent Review Body (IRB) set up by Hull City Council to examine the key factors that led to last year’s flooding in Hull. The IRB was critical of Yorkshire Water, and the way the Humbercare scheme had been implemented.

The WRc's report illustrates the complexity of the drainage issues, including the impact that the 2001 'Humbercare' project has had on the Hull drainage system, and the exceptional nature of the conditions presented to the drainage system in June 2007.

Ofwat have drawn a number of conclusions in the light of the WRc report, and the documentary evidence upon which it is based, including the fact that the level of service against flooding that the Hull drainage system provided when faced with the severe rainfall events of June 2007 is not clear and nor is it clear what that level of service should be. Ofwat have suggested that Yorkshire Water should make reference to the issues raised in the WRc report in delivering the right level of service for drainage in Hull, commenting that

“Yorkshire Water plays a critical role in the drainage for Hull and clearly needs to be continually engaged with the other agencies responsible for drainage there.”

Ofwat have met with Yorkshire Water and it has agreed to: ·  fully investigate, model and explain the performance of its drainage assets in Hull existing in June 2007, and with the asset improvements it has already announced, under a range of storm conditions (including long duration events);·  set out what conclusions can reasonably be made regarding the level of service delivered in June 2007;·  demonstrate and explain the improved service to be delivered once the planned asset improvements it has already announced have been commissioned;·  subject this work to independent audit, by its independent reporter approved by Ofwat; and·  provide a report summarising these actions and the conclusions drawn to be published by the end of June 2008.

Once these steps have been completed, Ofwat intends to review with Yorkshire Water whether any further action is necessary. Yorkshire Water has already commenced discussions with the other agencies that have responsibility for drainage in Hull, particularly Hull City Council and the Environment Agency.

The severe flooding and widespread disruption experienced in June 2007 by the city of Kingston upon has been estimated as a one in 150-year event.  More than 8,600 residential properties and 1,300 businesses were damaged as a result.