Ofwat Abolished To Tackle England’s Water Pollution

Industry regulator Ofwat is due to be abolished to pave the way for a new single regulator that will be responsible for slashing water pollution in rivers, lakes and seas across England, a move that is being lauded as the biggest overhaul of the water sector since privatisation.

Ofwat’s functions will be merged with those of the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, helping to address the current fragmented approach that having four separate regulators necessitates, rife with contradictory and competing priorities.

Environment secretary Steve Reed said: “In the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation, we will bring water functions from four different regulators into one.

“A single, powerful regulator responsible for the entire water sector will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors and the environment and prevent the abuses of the past. It will provide the clarity and direction required for a strong partnership between government, the sector and investors to attract billions of pounds of new investment.”

Sewage pollution.

This move comes as part of the government’s plan to cut sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade, with Mr Reed pledging to ensure that waterways will be the cleanest since records began – with funding already secured in partnership with investors to rebuild the entire water network.

Some £104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumbling infrastructure and build new sewage treatment works to slash sewage pollution, while more than £100 million of water fines are being put towards local clean-up projects. Customer bills are also being ringfenced so that companies are forced to invest in much-needed upgrades.

And companies will also now be expected to cover the costs of prosecutions and investigations into pollution incidents, which will enable the agency to bring on more staff so that further enforcement activity can be facilitated.

Mr Reed’s pledge is based on:

– A 50 per cent reduction in phosphorus from treated wastewater going into water sources by the end of January 2028

– A 50 per cent reduction in storm overflow spills by 2030

– Banning wet wipes containing plastic across the UK

– Working on pre-pipe measures such as sustainable urban drainage systems to reduce pressure on the network

– Pilot projects for nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands to see if they can be used in the water treatment process to help reduce environmental damage.

Work elsewhere.

The Environment Agency has also been given a significant cash injection for tackling water pollution of £189 million for this financial year, which will go towards enforcement officers, innovative technology for the regulator and improved equipment.

And a new water ombudsman is being set up with legal powers to help protect customers that are in disputes with their utility firms over matters such as water supply issues, incorrect bills and leaking pipes.

This will build on the Consumer Council for Water’s role, which is currently voluntary for water companies, and will bring dispute resolution processes in line with other utilities to ensure that customers are put at the heart of water regulation.

What can businesses do?

There are many ways in which businesses across all sectors and industries can improve water management practices to reduce pollution and help protect resources.

This is important not just from an environmental perspective but a financial one, as well, because you could be hit with an unlimited fine, go to prison for up to five years or both if you cause pollution of some kind.

Note that it’s not just obviously hazardous substances (strong acids, pesticides and so on) that can cause harm and anything that isn’t naturally found in the environment can be considered pollution, such as paper sludge or detergents.

Some business activities that can cause pollution include:

– Vehicle/wheelie bin washing

– Yard cleaning

– Oven cleaning

– Cleaning of food production areas

– Manufacturing processes

– Water cooling

Firstly, see if you can redesign your processes and procedures to reduce or prevent water contamination. Also consider implementing a drain plan so you know you’re using drainage systems correctly and so that maintenance is carried out as appropriate. These plans will also help you act appropriately if there’s a leak, spill or similar.

By putting certain measures in place, you can boost your green credentials, start operating more sustainably and help protect water resources for future generations.