Regulator orders water firms to publish river clean-up plans

Ofwat has told water companies to openly publish plans on how they intend to reduce harm to river water quality from their activities, including storm overflow operation.

Interim chief executive, David Black, wrote to water company leaders last week instructing them to set out their plans before the end of April, being specific about actions, impacts and time frames for delivery to the end of March 2025.

Black cited public concerns about rivers, provisions of the Environment Act and the new Strategic Policy Statement in the preamble to the request. He argued: “The response of the sector to the concerns about its impact on the environment will be a defining moment. We will play our part, and work in partnership with others, but we want to see companies demonstrate they understand the importance of the issue and show the leadership needed to restore public trust.”

He contended “there is nothing in regulatory regime that prevents companies from tackling these issues immediately”.

An update on Ofwat’s investigation of company compliance with the Flow to Full Treatment (FFT) requirements in their environmental permits is expected shortly, potentially this week.