WATER COMPANIES MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS BUT ENVIRONMENT AGENCY URGES MORE ACTION

The majority of the UK’s water companies achieved close to or exceeded targets set to improve water quality, according to a new report published by the Environment Agency today (Wednesday).

Wessex Water and United Utilities were the top performing water companies, repeating last year’s success.

In a year when the Environment Agency introduced tougher standards, water companies made good progress in meeting the new targets. However, the total number of pollution incidents increased by 160 in 2016, the first increase since 2012.

While water companies continue to improve their reporting of pollution to ensure impact can be minimised and wildlife protected downstream, the Environment Agency has urged some water companies to make significant improvements to bring down pollution levels.

The report which ranks the nine big water and sewage companies in England on a range of measures needed to protect the environment also showed:

  • All companies achieved the target to complete work to build and upgrade infrastructure which will improve water quality, water resources and river biodiversity.
  • Eight out of nine water companies gained full marks for protecting water supply security. This is crucial following the dry winter as some rivers, reservoirs and groundwaters are lower than normal for the time of year but there are no water supply issues.
  • Safe recovery or disposal of sewage sludge took place 99.9% of the time and was mostly used to improve agricultural land, generate heat or power. And compliance with permits at sewage treatment and water treatment works is at 98.6% on average, while good is still short of the 100% target.
  • The number of serious pollution incidents has continued to decline. However there was an increase in total numbers of incidents and of the most damaging pollution incidents, nine up from four in the previous year.

Dr Toby Willison, Executive Director of Operations for the Environment Agency, said:

“Water companies work hard to protect the environment. We have set more stringent targets and we are glad to see overall improvements but want to see more effort to avoid pollution incidents.

“As a fair and effective regulator we are committed to publishing results, highlighting best practice but also taking action to address any poor practice.

“While we welcome the good progress being made we will continue to address any failings and will take enforcement action in the most serious cases.”

2016 was also the first year to see several million pound fines handed out by the courts to water companies for pollution incidents.

All water companies provide an essential public service and affect the health of rivers and how water can be used downstream by others. High environmental performance from water companies protects rivers and seas, supports wildlife and ensures people can enjoy the environment. Water companies also contributed £127 million last year to reduce risk of sewers flooding homes and protect local communities.

Annual water and sewerage company environmental performance reports are available on GOV.UK

Cyclone Car Care Company Advanced Spotless Wash Solution
eBay
£376.15
Cyclone Car Care Company Advanced Spotless Wash Solution
Water Pump fits FORD FIESTA Mk5 ST150 2.0 05 to 08 N4JB Coolant 1119276 Febi New
eBay
£41.12
Water Pump fits FORD FIESTA Mk5 ST150 2.0 05 to 08 N4JB Coolant 1119276 Febi New
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY MK4 306DT 3.0 DIESEL COOLANT EXPANSION TANK - CPLA8A080AA
eBay
£44.95
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY MK4 306DT 3.0 DIESEL COOLANT EXPANSION TANK - CPLA8A080AA
Cyclone Car Care Company Resin Cartridge Refill - Advanced Solution
eBay
£119.65
Cyclone Car Care Company Resin Cartridge Refill - Advanced Solution
Sensor, coolant temperature for HONDA MAZDA SUBARU MAXGEAR 21-0378
eBay
£15.99
Sensor, coolant temperature for HONDA MAZDA SUBARU MAXGEAR 21-0378
Water Pump for Parking Heater fits MERCEDES V280 638 2.8 97 to 03 M104.900 Febi
eBay
£70.76
Water Pump for Parking Heater fits MERCEDES V280 638 2.8 97 to 03 M104.900 Febi
Timing Belt Water Pump Kit Fits Ford Fiesta Citroen C3 Peugeot 207 1.4 TDCi Hdi
eBay
£97.95
Timing Belt Water Pump Kit Fits Ford Fiesta Citroen C3 Peugeot 207 1.4 TDCi Hdi
Black Dog Bait Company Rattle Lunker Punker 6” TOPWATER WOBBLER WALK THE DOG
eBay
£58.31
Black Dog Bait Company Rattle Lunker Punker 6” TOPWATER WOBBLER WALK THE DOG

About the author

Anthony

Pin It on Pinterest