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Ofwat has expanded its investigation of sewage outflows to all water and sewage utilities in England and Wales, adding four companies to the list.
Severn Trent, United Utilities, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy will be included in Ofwat’s investigation into how companies manage their wastewater treatment works, the regulator said on Tuesday.
David Black, chief executive of Ofwat, said it was the “largest and most complex investigation Ofwat has undertaken”.
“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,” he said.
Just 16 per cent of waterways in England and Wales meet minimum EU standards for ecological status, and none meet the standards for chemicals, according to Environment Agency data.
The Environment Agency is also conducting its largest criminal investigation into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at more than 2,200 sewage treatment works.
