Ofwat starts major investigation on all 11 water firms in England and Wales over sewage spillage into rivers.
Ofwat said they are “concerned” over the “sector’s environmental performance” and the water regulator said they’ve handed out formal enforcement notices.
The water regulator has issued the final notices to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy, Severn Trent and United Utilities.
Evidence has been found which shows the water companies could have breached their responsibilities to protect the environment and previously Ofwat has handed out fines of more than £300 million.
Extensive investigations are ongoing and Ofwat said they have already conducted enforcement cases against Thames Water, Wessex Water, South West Water, Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water.
David Black, Ofwat’s chief executive, said, “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.
“This is the largest and most complex investigation Ofwat has undertaken.”
United Utilities said in a statement, “We understand and share people’s concerns about the health of the environment and the operation of wastewater systems, including combined sewer overflows.”
