A combined fine of £168 million ($214 million) has been proposed by a UK regulator for three of England’s top water suppliers due to their failure in sewage management, as revealed on Tuesday.
Thames Water, the largest supplier in Britain, faces financial challenges and might receive the highest penalty of £104 million, as per Ofwat.
This move by the regulator comes at a time when the water industry in Britain is under intense scrutiny, including from the new Labour government and environmental activists, concerning the contamination of rivers and other water bodies.
“Ofwat has recommended today that three water companies face a collective fine of £168 million for their inadequate management of wastewater treatment facilities and networks, following the initial findings from its most extensive investigation to date,” stated a release.
Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water could potentially be fined £47 million and £17 million, respectively.
“Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water have been found by Ofwat to have a series of missteps in the management of their sewage facilities, leading to excessive discharge from storm drains,” mentioned David Black, the CEO of Ofwat.
He added, “Our inquiry has exposed their regular release of sewage into rivers and oceans, rather than ensuring it occurs only under extraordinary circumstances as required by law.”
AFP