NGOs and MPs have welcomed the launch of the Environment Agency’s and Ofwat’s investigation into sewage treatment works – but criticised the regulators’ action as “long overdue” and for their failure to apologise for the long delay in taking action.

The Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat have launched a major investigation into sewage treatment works, after new checks led to water companies admitting that they could be releasing unpermitted sewage discharges into rivers and watercourses.

The Environment Act has now become law – Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Act will crack down on water companies that discharge sewage into rivers, waterways and coastlines.

Ofwat has published a paper setting out its approach to conducting customer research collaboratively with CCW and the sector for the 2024 Price Review (PR24) to inform common performance commitments, outcome delivery incentive (ODI) rates and acceptability and affordability testing.

The Government announced yesterday evening that the Environment Bill will be further strengthened with an amendment that will see a duty enshrined in law to ensure water companies secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impacts of discharges from storm overflows.