Environmental performance of the water and sewerage companies
On 10 July 2019 the Environment Agency (EA) published Environmental performance of the water and sewerage companies, a report suggesting that water companies efforts to protect the environment were ‘simply unacceptable’ with only 1 of them performing at the level expected.
The annual report rates each of the 9 water and sewerage companies in England as green, amber or red on a range of measures including pollution, supply resilience, and complying with permits.
The report reveals that water company performance has deteriorated, reversing the gradual improvement that had been seen in since the rating system began in 2011. Serious pollution incidents have also increased in 2018, causing damage to rivers and wildlife.
Northumbrian Water was the only company to achieve the highest 4 star rating. The EA said this improvement should be applauded and had only been possible with focus from the top of the organisation and ongoing effort from operational teams.
Other findings included:
- Severn Trent Water, United Utilities and Wessex Water dropped from 4 stars to 3 stars.
- Anglian Water and Thames Water remained on 3 stars.
- Southern Water, South West Water and Yorkshire Water were only given 2 stars, described as an ‘unacceptable level of performance.’
- South West Water has consistently demonstrated unacceptable performance and a red rating for pollution incidents.
- Southern Water and Thames Water failed to demonstrate they have robust enough plans to maintain secure water supplies.
- Most water companies look set to fail to meet 2020 pollution targets.
Environment Agency Chair Emma Howard Boyd, said they will continue to work with Ofwat to look at financial penalties to drive better environmental performance and that 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.
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.”
The full report is available at: Environmental performance of the water and sewerage companies.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 2019 Price review draft determinations for water companies.
- Environment Agency.
- Flood and Water Management Act
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Mains water.
- Sustainable water.
- Urban water systems management: A data analytics approach EP 105.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water conservation
- Water consumption
- Water framework directive.
- Water Industry Act 1991.
- Water investment.
- Water quality.
- Water.
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.