Ofwat has opened an enforcement case into South East Water to investigate whether it has failed to develop and maintain an efficient water supply system.

Ofwat is today confirming the financial penalties and payments for all water companies for the 2022-23 year, with the majority of companies having to return money to customers. Thames Water will return the most to customers, with a final determination of £73.8 million.

Thérèse Coffey has been replaced as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by Steve Barclay MP as part of yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle by Rishi Sunak.

Ofwat has published its assessment of how performance related pay awarded to water company executives during 2022-23 was aligned to delivery for customers and the environment, and overall company performance.

The ecological and health threats of synthetic dyes entering wastewater systems have been detailed in a new study, which calls for new laws worldwide on water management, and urgent investment in new sustainable treatment processes.

The Government, investors, water companies and environmental regulators – Ofwat in particular – all came in for remarkable levels of criticism from Conservative, Labour. Liberal Democrat and cross-bench peers in a House of Lords debate last week.

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has announced that its next inquiry will focus on the relationship between regulators and the Government, and how regulators are held accountable, including by Parliament.

Ofwat is calling on water companies to prove to customers they can deliver on their promises to clean up Britain's rivers and seas.The water sector regulator wants them to use the next 12 months to show that they can deliver better service and improve the environment.