The water companies have come in for serious criticism in yesterday’s Sunday Times, which has accused them of dumping unlimited amounts of raw sewage from 3500 overflow pipes into more than 80 rivers and along sections of the coast.

Ofwat has written to the water companies in England and Wales to update them on progress in its leakage target review.

Water UK, the  body which represents all UK water and wastewater service suppliers at national and European level, has published an update briefing on the forthcoming PR09 price review by Ofwat.

According to the Water Industry Commission for Scotland(WICS), as water companies in England and Wales inform Ofwat of planned rises in bills either at or above the rate of inflation, Scotland is bucking the trend.

Ofwat yesterday published its proposals to fine Tendring Hundred 0.3% of its turnover – a total of £42,000 – for failing to provide the regulator with reliable, accurate and complete information.

Water UK ,the industry association that represents UK statutory water supply and wastewater companies at national and European level, has published its responses to two separate consultations by Defra and the Treasury, and by the regulator Ofwat, on extending competition in the water industry.

South West Water has been ordered to pay £11,875 in fines and costs after sewage overflowed from a North Devon pumping station into a tributary of the River Taw. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.

Ofwat has published the conclusions arising from its consultation earlier this year on future strategy for customer charges for water and sewerage services.