South West Water joins list of firms facing wastewater enforcement

Ofwat has opened a new enforcement case against South West Water as part of its investigation into wastewater treatment compliance.

The move was prompted by latest environmental performance data and ongoing concern, the regulator said, confirming it has served South West with a formal notice to provide further information for enforcement purposes.

Five firms – Anglian, Northumbrian, Thames, Wessex and Yorkshire – are already subject to enforcement notices, and all wastewater companies remain subject to investigation. Ofwat said so far the investigation has exposed concerns including:

• issues about the quality and completeness of the information companies have about how their wastewater treatment works are performing; and

• what companies do with that information to ensure the works are adequate, operating correctly and not causing environmental harm, such as through sewage discharges.

Ofwat chief executive, David Black, commented: “We have now opened enforcement cases against the majority of wastewater companies in England and Wales. From what we have seen so far, the scale of the issue here is shocking – companies must resolve any problems at wastewater treatment works and do so quickly. Where they have breached their obligations, we will not hesitate to act.”

Ofwat can fine companies up to 10% of turnover.