Ofwat consults on £11m enforcement package for Wessex

(by Verity Mitchell)

Ofwat is consulting on a proposed £11m enforcement package, following its findings that Wessex Water failed to operate, maintain and upgrade its wastewater network adequately.

An agreed enforcement package has the advantage of being redeployed to resolve problems rather than having Wessex incur a penalty where the money is returned to the Consolidated Fund operated by HM Treasury.

This is the sixth enforcement case agreed by Ofwat. It follows the conclusion of cases against Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, Northumbrian Water, Anglian Water and South West Water earlier this year, which has resulted in enforcement action worth more than £240m.

Companies are encouraged by the Environment Agency to be proactive: to propose remedies to Ofwat and agree to an enforcement package, rather than waiting to be fined.

Wessex Water and its shareholders will fund the enforcement package of £11m. This additional investment is over and above that which is required under its current price control. The package includes: 

• Helping private landowners to seal their sewer pipes to prevent unnecessary groundwater reaching Wessex Water’s network. 

• Reducing spills at specific storm overflows through investment which would have otherwise occurred beyond 2030.

• Installing additional monitoring equipment to better enable management of flows at treatment works and storm overflows.

• Helping customers to sustainably manage rainwater at their properties. 

Wessex Water has plans in place for 2025-30 to address many of the compliance issues identified by Ofwat at its wastewater treatment works and network. The consultation will enable the public and key stakeholders to offer comments before Ofwat’s final decision is made.