New Government plans would see water companies face strict limits on storm sewage discharges
New plans unveiled by the Government today would see water companies face strict limits on when they can use storm overflows and must completely eliminate the ecological harm any storm sewage discharges cause to the environment and significantly reduce discharges to protect public health.
Water companies call for greater clarity on Government’s overall priorities and targets for water sector
The water companies are calling for greater clarity on the government’s overall priorities and targets for the water sector – according to Water UK, “without more clarity on the specific goals the government wants delivered, there is a high likelihood that vital investment will be deferred in favour of short-term pressures.”
Environment Agency publishes guidance on installing open-loop heat pump systems for ground source or surface water source heating or cooling
The Environment Agency has published detailed guidance on installing ground source or surface water source heating or cooling systems.
Environment Act - Defra consults on new, long-term environmental targets
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England has launched a new consultation on new, long-term environmental targets announced by the government.
Ofwat amends Thames Tideway licence to protect costs of the project after Covid-19
Ofwat has agreed to adjust the licence of Thames Tideway Tunnel, to ensure that the project can be completed after it was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and historically low interest rates.
Ofwat publishes Final Public Value Principles to help water companies create further social and environmental value
Ofwat has published its Final Public Value Principles aimed at helping to guide water companies to create more social and environmental value in the course of delivering their core services.
Environment Agency seeks to make ban on fishing in River Esk in Yorkshire permanent
The Environment Agency has launched a new consultation on its proposal to make a temporary byelaw which currently prohibits fishing in the River Esk permanent in order to enhance the protection of fish stocks.
CMA publishes environmental sustainability advice to government
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published advice on how competition and consumer laws can help meet the UK's environmental goals, and has outlined plans for a Sustainability Taskforce.
Environment Agency increases abstraction licence charges – first time in ten years
The Environment Agency (EA) has increased its abstraction licence charges –the first time the EA has raised the cost of licences in ten years.
MOSL – new Market Data Strategy will “significantly improve” quality of data in non-household water market
MOSL has published the first Market Data Strategy for the non-household water market - the strategy is intended to significantly improve the quality of market data.
Ofwat highlights root causes of problems identified in wastewater investigation
Ofwat has published further details of information gathered in its wastewater treatment works to date, including identification of some of the root causes of problems flagged up by the water companies themselves.
Ecological harm from River Lugg damage - Natural England and Environment Agency launch joint legal action
Natural England and the Environment Agency have announced today they are beginning legal action against a landowner for damage to a protected area of the River Lugg in Herefordshire which has caused suspected significant and long-term ecological harm.
News Showcase
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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.
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Other Latest News
- Ofwat blocks £6.5 million in bonuses as nine water companies trigger bonus rule
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- 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
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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.
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