Campaigners and industry respond to ‘once-in-a-generation’ water reform report Consumer groups demanded action on affordability as green campaigners claimed there had been a ‘missed opportunity’. Evening Standard · Jul 21, 2025
Ofwat to be abolished in ‘reset’ of water industry regulation Environment secretary backs plan to end sewage spills and financial mismanagement in England and Wales The Guardian - UK · Jul 21, 2025
Ofwat scrapped in huge shake up of 'broken' water industry regulation Decision from Environment Secretary Steve Reed follows publication of major report from the Government appointed Independent Water Commission Evening Standard · Jul 21, 2025
Ofwat to be abolished as government takes forward five recommendations to address water’s ‘Great Stink moment’ – as it happened England and Wales’s water industry requires ‘fundamental reform’ to address the problems that have dogged the sector, Independent Water Commission says The Guardian - UK · Jul 21, 2025
Water industry faces ‘root and branch reform’ after landmark review Environment Secretary Steve Reed is widely reported to be preparing to abolish regulator Ofwat. Evening Standard · Jul 20, 2025
Water industry review unlikely to spark required change, claims Feargal Sharkey The campaigner accused water companies of treating customers with ‘contempt’. Evening Standard · Jul 20, 2025
Water ombudsman to be created amid sweeping changes in England and Wales Environment secretary to make announcement on Monday as part of review that is expected to abolish Ofwat The Guardian - UK · Jul 20, 2025
Southern Water boss should refuse ‘outrageous’ pay rise – Environment Secretary Lawrence Gosden was awarded £691,000 as part of a long-term incentive plan this year on top of his £687,000 fixed pay, the firm’s annual report said. Evening Standard · Jul 20, 2025
Environment secretary ‘furious’ about England and Wales water bills Steve Reed says he is unable to rule out further above-inflation rises and any decision would be up to regulators The Guardian - UK · Jul 20, 2025
Government prepares for release of landmark review into ailing water sector The Independent Water Commission will outline its final recommendations to tackle systemic issues in the industry. Evening Standard · Jul 19, 2025
Ofwat to be abolished as ministers look to create new water regulator Move follows intense criticism of utilities over sewage spills, shareholder payouts and ballooning debts The Guardian - UK · Jul 18, 2025
Scottish Water workers accept pay offer but ‘concerns continue’, says union The deal with Unison has brought a series of ongoing strikes to an end. Evening Standard · Jul 17, 2025
Why Are Hosepipes Being Banned Across Britain And What Happens If You Break the Rules? Britain's hosepipe ban affects millions amid historic drought. Learn what the rules are, who's impacted, and what penalties apply if you break them. International Business Times UK · Jul 17, 2025
High water bills, filthy rivers – and now drought. This is England’s great artificial water crisis of 2025 In its refusal to nationalise water, it’s clear the government operates in the interests of private capital and not of the country, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot The Guardian - UK · Jul 17, 2025
Evening Standard · Jul 15, 2025 Thames Water still in ‘crisis mode’ as turnaround set to take a decade The UK’s largest water supplier also revealed a sharp increase in pollution incidents over the past year.
The Guardian - UK · Jul 15, 2025 Thames Water warns nationalisation is likely if emergency creditor talks fall Company slumps to a £1.6bn annual loss as it blames rainfall for rise in pollution incidents
The Guardian - UK · Jul 15, 2025 FTSE 100 share index hits 9,000 points for the first time; US inflation rate rises to 2.7% – as it happened London stock market hits new peak, Thames Water reports £1.6bn loss, and Rachel Reeves outlines ‘Leeds reforms’ for financial services
The Guardian - UK · Jul 14, 2025 English water firm doubles CEO’s pay despite ‘elevated concern’ over finances Boss of Affinity Water, which serves 3.9 million customers in London and south-east, receives £1.6m
The Guardian - UK · Jul 14, 2025 Thames Water announces hosepipe ban as dry weather depletes reservoirs Restrictions to come into effect in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire from 22 July
Evening Standard · Jul 14, 2025 Million more face hosepipe ban after dry spell Thames Water has asked customers not to use hosepipes, including for cleaning cars, watering plants, filling pools or cleaning windows.
Evening Standard · Jul 11, 2025 Where will there be a hosepipe ban in the South East? Two water companies have announced hosepipe bans during England’s drought conditions
Evening Standard · Jul 11, 2025 Rainfall in Yorkshire and north-east England: What is the latest data? There have been 47 days so far in 2025 when no rainfall was measured at all in this part of the UK.
The Guardian - UK · Jul 10, 2025 Scottish households urged to cut water use as climate crisis limits supplies Scottish Water boss says average Scot uses 40% more water than people in Yorkshire partly due to mistaken belief water is abundant in Scotland
International Business Times UK · Jul 9, 2025 Yorkshire Water Hosepipe Ban Confirmed Amid Shortage — What to Do If You Catch a Neighbour Breaking the Rules Police have asked residents not to call 999 to report neighbours breaking water restrictions, as Yorkshire Water confirms a hosepipe ban due to drought.
The Guardian - UK · Jul 9, 2025 Thames Water refuses to claw back bonuses paid using £3bn emergency loan Money was paid out from loan meant to stabilise firm’s finances weeks before it paused retention payments plan