Ofwat sets out two-year water company investment scheme

These will focus on three areas, firstly it will spend £1.1bn to improve more than 250 overflows and reduce the annual average of spills by 10,000, while spending £400m on water resilience schemes including the installation of 462,000 smart meters, and new water resource and quality projects. Finally, it will spend £160m to help reduce nutrient pollution and support nutrient neutrality at 14 locations.  

Ofwat chief executive David Black said: “Substantial investment is needed to address the challenges to our water system of storm overflows, river and bathing water quality and drought resilience. We are pleased that we’ve been able to work with companies and identify significant investments which companies can start well before the next price control period.  

“This will bring substantial benefits for customers and the environment and bring them faster. We want to see companies making more rapid progress in delivering improvements, and will hold them to account if they fall short.” 

Water minister Rebecca Pow added: “These new schemes will help accelerate the delivery of the urgent improvements we need to protect our environment. It includes £1.1bn of new investment to stop sewage discharges at sites across the country and will deliver a reduction of 10,000 discharges per year in places like Lake Windermere, the River Wharfe, Falmouth and Sidmouth. 

“The investment set out here will also provide an important boost for regional jobs, businesses and local communities.”