Water (Special Measures) Act signed into law yesterday includes powers to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 received Royal Assent yesterday, boosting the powers of water sector regulators to tackle pollution. The major legislation to crack down on water company executives polluting Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas has been signed into law in the most significant increase to enforcement powers in a decade.
Government's planning reform policy working paper proposes new approach to development and nature recovery
The Government has published a planning reform policy working paper paper on development and nature recovery proposing a new approach which uses funding from development to deliver environmental improvements and moves more responsibility for the improvements onto the state rather than developers.
Ofwat agrees Havant Thicket solution should be funded to progress to gate four of RAPID process – despite wide-ranging concerns raised in latest consultation
Ofwat has agreed that the proposed Havant Thicket Reservoir solution should continue to receive development funding to progress to gate four of the RAPID process – despite significant concerns raised by a wide range of stakeholders following the water sector regulator’s draft decision published on 12 November 2024.
Four more water companies to appear before EFRA Committee “reforming the water sector’ inquiry this week
The EFRA Committee will continue its ‘reforming the water sector’ inquiry this week – four more water companies are due to appear before the Committee during two evidence sessions on the mornings of 25 and 26 February.
French Parliament passes new law banning PFAS "forever chemicals"
Yesterday France passed a new law that will ban PFAS in several products including clothing and cosmetics. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of over 10,000 highly persistent synthetic chemicals often called ‘forever chemicals’, because they do not break down easily in the environment.
Consumer watchdog warns customers face "long and anxious wait" over water company appeals
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is warning that millions of households now face an anxious wait to see whether they could face even steeper water bill rises after six companies choose to contest Ofwat’s price caps for the next five years.
MOSL publishes 2025-28 Business Plan for member voting on 27th February
Following consultation with trading parties, MOSL has published its 2025-28 Business Plan for member voting.
PR2024 appeals – Ofwat says FDs “based on robust examination of all funding requests … we will be re-stating our case”
Ofwat has confirmed that six companies have requested references to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Government welcomes Office for Environmental Protection’s review of implementation of Bathing Water Regulations in England
The government has welcomed the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) review of the implementation of the current Bathing Water Regulations 2013 in England, saying that the OEP recommendations are aligned with the government’s proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013. The OEP published its review in November 2024.
MPs on EFRA Committee to quiz eight more water companies as part of “reforming water sector” inquiry
The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has this morning announced the schedule for its upcoming evidence sessions with water companies, as part of its ‘reforming the water sector’ inquiry.
Ofwat to investigate Thames Water over 100-plus delayed AMP7 environmental schemes
Ofwat has today announced that it is opening an enforcement case into Thames Water to investigate whether its delayed delivery of environmental improvement schemes has meant that the company has breached its obligations.
Ofwat consults on Macquarie acquisition of Icosa Water Services Ltd
Ofwat has launched a new consultation on the acquisition of of Icosa Water Services Ltd by Macquarie – the Australian investment fund owns an 82% majority stake in Southern Water and was previously owner of Thames Water between 2006 and 2017.
News Showcase
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Albion Water appoints new Director of Business Development
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development. -
Webinar to explore moving indirect potable water reuse to full implementation
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality. -
Kohtari CEO says joined-up water intelligence needed to predict, not just react - not more data
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react. -
IED compliance – using automated sliding floodgates to support secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
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- Construction work starts on £13 million Skinningrove Flood Alleviation Scheme
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water strengthens Executive Team with two senior appointments
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Scottish Water completes £235m investment in two-way connection between drinking water networks
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. -
United Utilities accelerates investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across Northwest
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest. -
Working for WSP - what if you could build a career as unique as you? With us, you can
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.
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