Water company efforts to protect the environment were described
as ‘simply unacceptable’ in an Environment Agency (EA) report
published today (10 July) with only 1 of the major water and
sewage companies in England performing at the level expected.
Overall water company performance has deteriorated which reverses
the trend of gradual improvement in the sector since the rating
system began in 2011. Serious pollution incidents increased in
2018 causing damage to the rivers and wildlife.
Environment Agency Chair Emma Howard Boyd, who has previously
warned water companies they would face a tougher regulatory
approach with increasing inspections, is pledging that the
Environment Agency will continue to work with Ofwat to look at
financial penalties to drive better environmental performance
given fines are currently only a fraction of turnover. Writing in
the report’s foreword she said “Companies should be reflecting on
their environmental performance and long-term resilience, if this
is poor they should be asking themselves whether dividends are
justifiable.”
The annual report rates each of the 9 water and sewerage
companies in England as either green, amber or red on a range of
measures including serious pollution, pollution per km of sewer
pipes, supply resilience, self-reporting of pollution and
complying with permits – and also compares individual company
performance to highlight the best and worst.
Northumbrian Water was the only company achieving the highest 4
star rating, showing that it is possible to bring in good
environmental practices and limit the impact of operations on
nature. The Environment Agency report said this improvement is to
be applauded which had only been possible with focus from the top
of the organisation and ongoing effort from operational teams.
The report highlighted the best and worst performance including:
-
· Northumbrian
Water improved to gain the highest rating of 4 stars.
- · Severn
Trent Water, United Utilities and Wessex Water dropped from 4
stars to 3 stars, with Anglian Water and Thames Water remaining
on 3 stars. Companies with 3 stars must improve their performance
to reduce their impact on the environment.
-
· Southern
Water, South West Water and Yorkshire Water were only given 2
stars and described as demonstrating an ‘unacceptable level of
performance.’
- · Again
this year South West Water is poor performing and has
consistently demonstrated unacceptable performance and a red
rating for pollution incidents. Most water companies look set to
fail to meet 2020 pollution targets.
-
· Southern
Water and Thames Water failed to demonstrate they have robust
enough plans to maintain secure water supplies.
Executive Director of Operations Dr Toby Willison
said:
“Water companies need to clean up their act. People expect
water companies to improve the environment, not pollute rivers
and ensure secure supplies of water.
“With only one exception, none of the companies are
performing at the level we wish to see, the country expects and
the environment needs. We will continue to challenge CEOs to
improve company performance and we will take strong and
appropriate enforcement action.
“Companies performing well have a positive ripple effect on
the natural environment and communities in their regions. We want
all water companies to meet the expectation of their customers,
the needs of environment and learn from the best practice that
the leading company is demonstrating.”
