Severn Trent Water in list of utilities told to ‘clean up their act’

Severn Trent Water is one of several water companies that have been warned to clean up their act after the environment watchdog described their performance last year as “simply unacceptable”.

A report published today by the Environment Agency revealed that only one of the major water and sewage companies in England was performing at the level expected, while Severn Trent dropped from 4 stars to 3 stars – a level which means it must improve its performance.

The report said overall water company performance has deteriorated which reverses the trend of gradual improvement in the sector since the rating system began in 2011. Serious pollution incidents increased in 2018 causing damage to the rivers and wildlife, according to the report.

The annual report rates each of the nine water and sewerage companies in England as either green, amber or red on a range of measures including serious pollution, pollution per km of sewer pipes, supply resilience, self-reporting of pollution and complying with permits – and also compares individual company performance to highlight the best and worst.

Northumbrian Water was the only company achieving the highest 4 star rating, with the Environment Agency report saying this improvement “is to be applauded”.

The report highlighted the best and worst performance including:

Northumbrian Water improved to gain the highest rating of 4 stars.
Severn Trent Water, United Utilities and Wessex Water dropped from 4 stars to 3 stars, with Anglian Water and Thames Water remaining on 3 stars. Companies with 3 stars must improve their performance to reduce their impact on the environment.
Southern Water, South West Water and Yorkshire Water were only given 2 stars and described as demonstrating an ‘unacceptable level of performance.’
Again this year South West Water is poor performing and has consistently demonstrated unacceptable performance and a red rating for pollution incidents. Most water companies look set to fail to meet 2020 pollution targets.
Southern Water and Thames Water failed to demonstrate they have robust enough plans to maintain secure water supplies.

The Environment Agency’s executive director of operations, Dr Toby Willison, said: “Water companies need to clean up their act. People expect water companies to improve the environment, not pollute rivers and ensure secure supplies of water.

“With only one exception, none of the companies are performing at the level we wish to see, the country expects and the environment needs. We will continue to challenge CEOs to improve company performance and we will take strong and appropriate enforcement action.

“Companies performing well have a positive ripple effect on the natural environment and communities in their regions. We want all water companies to meet the expectation of their customers, the needs of environment and learn from the best practice that the leading company is demonstrating.”

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