Ofwat proposes £168m in fines for three water companies over sewage spills

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ofwat has proposed £168 million of fines for three of England’s biggest water companies for failing to manage sewage spills, including a £104 million penalty for Thames Water. “We will outline further legislation to transform and reset our water industry and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.” Ofwat said more than two-thirds of Thames Water’s wastewater treatment works with Flow to Full Treatment permits had capacity and operational issues, while one in six of its storm overflows were found to be in breach of regulations. Thankfully the water regulator, for so long toothless, is finally waking up to the scale of the public’s outrage and we are starting to see some meaningful penalties being imposed upon the worst offenders Charles Watson, River Action Meanwhile, Charles Watson, chairman of campaign group River Action, said: “Thankfully the water regulator, for so long toothless, is finally waking up to the scale of the public’s outrage and we are starting to see some meaningful penalties being imposed upon the worst offenders.” He also criticised water companies for paying out billions in shareholder dividends in recent years. He added: “We will be responding to the notice by September 10.” A Thames Water spokesman said: “We regard all untreated discharges as unacceptable, even when they are permitted, and are taking action to improve the health of our rivers as a key area of focus and investment.” The spokesman suggested Ofwat may reduce the financial penalty if Thames Water commits to redress the failures, adding that the company will respond to the proposed fine “in due course”.