There is widespread coverage across multiple outlets following Ofwat’s announcement that three water companies will be fined a total of £168m for failing to manage their wastewater treatment works and networks.

Ofwat will now consult on these penalties – which will see Thames Water fined £104m, Yorkshire Water fined £47m and Northumbrian Water fined £17m – alongside proposed enforcement orders, which require each company to rectify these issues to bring them into compliance.

This investigation is the responsibility of Ofwat as the independent economic regulator and is separate to the Environment Agency’s ongoing criminal investigation into discharges at wastewater treatment works.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:

I welcome Ofwat’s action today. The unacceptable destruction of our waterways should never have been allowed - and it is right that those responsible for illegally polluting our rivers, lakes and seas face the consequences.

This Government will fundamentally reform the water sector. We have announced our first steps to clean up the water industry in our Water (Special Measures) Bill, to cut sewage pollution, protect customers and attract investment to upgrade its crumbling infrastructure.

We will outline further legislation to transform and reset our water industry and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.