The Digester

Ofwat has ordered a £44.7m enforcement package after finding serious failures in Welsh Water's wastewater operations, with money earmarked to cut sewage spills and improve river quality by 2030.

Ofwat found Welsh Water failed to properly operate, maintain and upgrade its wastewater network, causing excessive storm overflow spills to the environment.
The proposed enforcement package totals £44.7m, including £40.6m to reduce spills and £4.1m to improve river quality.
Ofwat said the payment is larger than a formal fine of £40m and will be absorbed by the company rather than passed to customers.
Improvements must be delivered by 2030 and will target issues such as groundwater entering the sewer network in sensitive catchments.
Welsh Water accepted the findings, apologised, and said it has launched a major transformation programme to improve wastewater performance.
A public consultation on the package is open until 2 April before Ofwat makes a final decision.
This is the seventh Ofwat investigation into water companies, following significant penalties for other firms including nearly £123m for Thames Water.

Welsh Water to pay £44.7m after regulator finds sewage failures

Articles