New drought powers for water companies
Ofwat launches its approach to 2009 price review
Ofwat yesterday published its first major consultation on how it will set price limits for customers' water and sewerage bills for the five years from 2010 to 2015. The consultation paper describes the approach that the regulator will take to make sure that the prices companies charge their customers are designed to deliver the best results for those customers.
Security of supply improves in England and Wales
The latest security of supply Report published yesterday by Ofwat shows that the industry has improved its overall capacity to meet planned levels of service and peak period conditions.
Southern Water sold to J P Morgan group
JP Morgan Asset Management, together with Australian Challenger Infrastructure Fund, has bought Southern Water from owners Royal Bank of Scotland for ₤4.2 billion.
Water companies failing to invest in research
The Sainsbury Review of Science and Innovation has concluded the water companies have been forced to reduce investment in new technologies as a result of delivering price cuts.
Ofwat announces the first new water and sewerage company since privatisation
Ofwat has appointed a new water and sewerage company – the first new company to offer both services since privatisation – by granting its twelfth inset appointment.
Northern Ireland Regulator seeks fairer way to set water charges
In his submission to the Independent Water Review Panel, which is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of existing arrangements for the delivery of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has said property value should not be the main determinant in funding for water and sewerage.
Detailed proposals for Water Framework Directive implementation published
The second phase review of UK environmental standards and conditions for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has now closed and summary documents published. The review has been undertaken by the WFD United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group (UKTAG) - a working group of experts drawn from the UK environment and conservation agencies – set up to provide coordinated advice to Government on technical aspects of the Directive.
European floods Directive finally adopted
Ofwat firms up on draft business plan requirements
The Head of Comparative Efficiency at Ofwat has written to the Regulatory Directors of the water companies to set out in greater detail Ofwat’s policy for the 2009 periodic review and the information requirements for the PR09 business plans the companies will have to submit for the next investment cycle.
News Showcase
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Making storm overflow data make Sense – Metasphere launches dedicated monitoring device
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.” -
King’s Award for Enterprise shows ERG moving forward with growth in UK and Asia
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise. -
Welsh Water’s ORAI system shortlisted for three categories at the British Data Awards 2026
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers. -
Barhale completes two Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects for Severn Trent
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
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Other Latest News
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- Registration opens for Northumbrian Water’s tenth annual Innovation Festival
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- Regulator approves record €13.6 billion investment in Uisce Éireann’s water and wastewater infrastructure for 2025-2029
- European Commission launches call for evidence on digital action plan for EU water sector
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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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