By Abdullahi Lukman
Wessex Water has agreed to invest £11 million in upgrades to reduce sewage spills across its network, aiming to avoid a £10 million fine from regulator Ofwat.
The funding will go toward improving storm overflow sites, installing extra monitoring equipment, and helping customers better manage rainwater on their properties.
Ofwat launched an investigation after finding that Wessex Water had not adequately maintained or upgraded its wastewater network.
Both the company and the regulator said the investment will benefit customers and the environment, rather than being paid to the Treasury, and no additional costs will be passed on to customers’ bills. A public consultation will precede Ofwat’s final approval.
Lynn Parker, Ofwat’s senior director for enforcement, noted that spills occurred when they shouldn’t have, though she praised Wessex Water for addressing problems proactively.
Clean water campaigner Johnny Palmer criticized the package as “a drop in the ocean,” arguing it merely requires the company to do its basic duties.
Wessex Water said the investment will include sealing pipes on private land, additional monitoring, and initiatives such as water butts and rain gardens to prevent pollution and reduce sewer flooding.
The company plans to invest £300 million in sewerage infrastructure by 2030, including expanding treatment sites and encouraging sustainable rainwater management.
Water Minister Emma Hardy called the failures “unacceptable” and stressed urgent action to clean up rivers, lakes, and seas, including tougher penalties for polluting water company executives.
Ofwat’s nationwide investigation into water company failings has already secured £240 million in redress from five providers.
