Water Companies Ordered to Return £150 Million Over Pollution and Leak Failings

Water firms in England and Wales have been ordered to return more than £150 million to customers over their poor performance in pollution, leaks, and customer satisfaction. The Ofwat regulator said the money will come off bills for households and businesses across 2025 and 2026, with the final rebate to determined in December. Ofwat’s annual performance report recorded only a 2 percent reduction in pollution incidents by water companies since 2019, despite their commitment to a 30 percent reduction rate. Only one out of 11 companies has met the performance commitment level. The sector has also underperformed in reducing internal sewer flooding. Water companies recorded a 10 percent reduction rate, compared to the promised 41 percent....