Ofwat launch probe into water supplier United Utilities

This week watchdog Ofwat announced that it was opening an enforcement case into United Utilities, which provides water across Bolton and the North West, and other water companies.

The state of waterways has long been a cause of concern, with thousands of sewage spills having been caused by storm overflows in Bolton in recent years.

Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle said: “This is welcome news, and I will await details of the findings of this new investigation.”

In 2022 the Bolton North East and Bolton South East areas endured more than 1,200 wastewater spills each, while Bolton West saw more than 800.

Water quality has been a cause of concern all over Bolton (Image: Paul Blinkhorn)

This was according to figures gathered by the Top of the Poops website.

Ms Entwistle has previously called for tougher regulation of water companies and for more action to be taken against those found to have breached the government's rules. 

Regulator Ofwat says that it has now become concerned about the entire water sector in the UK.

As well as United Utilities, the watchdog has announced this week that it is opening investigations into Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy and Severn Trent.

This means that Ofwat now has investigations open into all 11 water companies in England and Wales.

Chief executive David Black said: “The fact that Ofwat now has enforcement cases with all 11 of the wastewater companies in England and Wales demonstrates how concerned we are about the sector’s environmental performance.

“Where we find that companies have breached their obligations, we will continue to act, over recent years, we have imposed penalties and payments of over £300million on water and wastewater companies.

“This is the largest and most complex investigation Ofwat has undertaken.

“However, Ofwat is committed to concluding these cases as quickly as possible, so that the sector can focus on delivering the £88billion expenditure PR24 will unlock to deliver cleaner rivers and seas.

“As part of this package of investment £10bn is ear marked to tackle storm overflows with a target to reduce spills from storm overflows by 44 per cent.”

United Utilities has said it will work with the regular and has already taken measures to deal with spills.

A spokesperson said: “United Utilities understands and shares people’s concerns about the issue of storm overflows, which is why we have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in recent years to reduce the number of spills.

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“As part of this strategic plan, we have accelerated schemes to target overflows with the highest number of spills, led by a 500-strong team of experts, including data scientists, engineers and construction specialists.

“Our investment is already delivering results, with significant reductions in the number of spills at key sites.

“Following today’s announcement from Ofwat, we will continue to work closely with the regulator and provide it with the information it requires as part of the next stage of its sector-wide review into storm overflow operations.”

Ofwat says that once the investigation has finished it will publish details of its findings and any proposed action where appropriate.

Storm overflows are designed to act as relief valves when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed, for example during heavy downpours when a lot of rainwater runs into drains and the sewerage system in a short space of time, according to watchdog Ofwat.

If the system does get overwhelmed it can cause flooding.

To prevent that happening water companies sometimes use storm overflows to release extra rainwater and wastewater into rivers or seas.