The government plans for reform in the Water White Paper have so far received a series of mixed responses this morning – ranging from a whole-hearted welcome, cautious optimism and disappointment.

The Government is today publishing its Water White Paper outlining its plans for water sector reform in England, describing it as “the biggest overhaul in a generation.”

Ofwat has today opened a new investigation into South East Water following a series of supply interruptions which have seen thousands of households and businesses in Kent and Sussex lose their water supply.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has launched an investigation into loss of supply incidents affecting Kent and Sussex.

The House of Commons  Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee is recalling the senior leadership of South East Water for another evidence session - the Committee’s concerns are growing as SEW disputes the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s account of  the circumstances around recent water supply failures at the water company.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has confirmed that it has identified possible failures by Defra and the Environment Agency (EA) to comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Regulations, one of the key laws in place to protect and improve the quality of our rivers, lakes and seas.