Government says Ofwat must ensure England’s water industry is doing more to protect environment
Ofwat must ensure that England’s water industry is doing more to protect the environment, the Government has announced today as it set out its priorities for the regulator over the next five years.
Three water companies to pay £847,000 in Enforcement Undertakings accepted by Environment Agency
Three water companies have agreed to pay a total of £847,000 in Enforcement Undertakings accepted by the Environment Agency during the period 10 September 2021 to 31 December 2021.
Economic regulation - National Infrastructure Commission calls on Government for “real policy changes rather than promise of further reviews”
The National Infrastructure Commission is calling on the government to deliver “real policy changes rather than the promise of further reviews” for the economically regulated utilities sectors.
NSF International launches new REG4 Accreditations for water fittings compliance
NSF International, a global health and safety organisation, has brought two new accredited certification schemes to market, NSF REG4 1+ and NSF REG4 S3, offering alternative routes to water fittings compliance.
Sewage pollution - Ofwat warns water companies not to "hide behind regulation or say they can't do anything" until PR24
John Russell, Senior Director of Strategy, Finance, and Infrastructure at Ofwat, has warned the water companies that it is “not acceptable to hide behind regulation or say they can't do anything until the next price review” to tackle current levels of pollution and wastewater discharges from their networks.
Ofwat – "tackling water companies’ unacceptable performance in releasing sewage into the environment is a priority"
David Black, interim Chief Executive at Ofwat, has said that taking action to tackle water companies’ unacceptable performance in releasing sewage into the environment is a priority for the regulator in coming months.
Water sector regulator Ofwat launches hunt for new Chief Executive
Water sector regulator Ofwat has launched the recruitment process to find a new Chief Executive.
EA Chief on regulation after Brexit - “think differently, speak softly and carry an even bigger stick”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan has said that regulators need to “think differently, speak softly, and carry an even bigger stick” in order to regulate better after Brexit - including "fines so large they would put a major dent in companies’ bottom lines and sentences that would put their bosses in jail."
Chair of Environmental Audit Committee calls for water company investment in water treatment to be doubled
Philip Dunne MP, Chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee is calling for the water companies to double their investment in water treatment.
New Office for Environmental Protection formally starts work next week
The new Office for Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will formally start work week when Parliament takes the steps needed for the establishment of its full powers and functions from Monday 24 January.
Future Water establishes new Water Industry Standards and Regulations Group
Future Water, one of the UK's water sector's leading industry bodies, has set up a new working group with a specific focus on water industry standards.
Defra research says “both rare and challenging” to achieve strategic approach to surface water management via the planning system
The Water Services Division at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published a research report which concludes that the overall picture generated by the research is that it is “both rare and challenging” to achieve a strategic approach to surface water management through the planning system.
News Showcase
-
South West Water explores new approach to sludge dewatering in UK-first municipal trial
South West Water has hosted the first municipal trial of the Fournier Rotary Press in the UK, assessing its potential to improve sludge dewatering performance and support future biosolids standards. -
Uniwater strengthens its UK presence with acquisition of Hy‑Ram Engineering
Uniwater has acquired Hy-Ram Engineering, a specialist in tooling, products and hire for the water sector, based in Mansfield, England. -
Enpure Ltd and Clean TeQ Water Ltd in new collaboration for Moving Bed Ion Exchange-based nutrient removal
Enpure Ltd and Clean TeQ Water Ltd have announced a collaboration agreement to bring Clean TeQ Water's Moving Bed Ion Exchange-based nutrient removal technologies to water utilities across the UK. -
BactoSense ID cuts wastewater and bathing water bacteria testing from days to minutes
Near-real-time microbial monitoring of wastewater discharge and bathing waters is now possible thanks to the BactoSense ID solution created by Swiss-based bNovate Technologies.
Expert Focus
News Sections
Other Latest News
- Ofwat blocks £6.5 million in bonuses as nine water companies trigger bonus rule
- United Utilities reports 7% increase in profits and accelerating capital investment in first half of 2026/27
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water highlights supply chain opportunities linked to record £4bn investment
- Caroline Douglass, Executive Director, Flood and Coastal Risk Management - Environment Agency to make keynote speech at Floodex 2026
- Portsmouth Water appoints Clancy to deliver £26.84m critical connection project in next stage of Havant Thicket Reservoir
- United Utilities awards £46.8 million five year AMP8 contract for supply of UV spares and servicing to single supplier
Watch
-
Southern Water showcases last footage inside Yew Hill Reservoir before filling
Southern Water has released film and images showing what it’s like to walk inside Hampshire’s expanded Yew Hill underground reservoir for the very last time, before it gets filled with water. -
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.
Top Stories
Login / Register
New Account Registrations
To register for a new account with Waterbriefing, please contact us via email at waterbriefing@imsbis.org
Existing waterbriefing users - log into the new website using your original username and the new password 'waterbriefing'. You can then change your password once logged in.