Ofwat has announced the opening of enforcement cases against four more water and wastewater companies as part of its ongoing investigation into the management of wastewater treatment works and networks.
Formal notices have been served on Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy, Severn Trent, and United Utilities to collect evidence.
This decision follows a detailed analysis of environmental performance data and information about storm overflow incidents, raising concerns about the companies’ compliance with environmental protection and pollution minimisation obligations.
With these new cases, Ofwat now has enforcement activities against all 11 water and wastewater companies in England and Wales.
Previously, enforcement cases were opened against Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South West Water, Thames Water, Wessex Water and Yorkshire Water in 2022, with investigations still ongoing.
Southern Water remains under enforcement monitoring following a case in 2019.
Opening an enforcement case does not necessarily indicate a breach of legal obligations.
Ofwat will publish its findings and any proposed actions after completing its investigations.
David Black, Ofwat Chief Executive, said: “The fact that Ofwat now has enforcement cases with all 11 of the wastewater companies in England and Wales demonstrates how concerned we are about the sector’s environmental performance.
“Where we find that companies have breached their obligations, we will continue to act – over recent years, we have imposed penalties and payments of over £300 million on water and wastewater companies.
“This is the largest and most complex investigation Ofwat has undertaken. However, Ofwat is committed to concluding these cases as quickly as possible, so that the sector can focus on delivering the £88 billion expenditure PR24 will unlock to deliver cleaner rivers and seas.”
