12th Mar 2026 07:00
Press Release
EMBARGO: 7am - 12th March 2026
Welsh Water's statement in response to Ofwat's proposed enforcement package
A Welsh Water spokesperson said: "We accept the findings of Ofwat's investigation and apologise for where we have fallen short of the standards that our customers and regulators rightly expect from us.
"We have started a major transformation programme across the company, including within our wastewater services, focused on improving performance, strengthening operational oversight and accelerating investment to deliver better outcomes for rivers and coastal waters.
"The investigation has considered both historic and more recent compliance, and we accept that improvements are needed. We have already taken steps to strengthen our governance, oversight and compliance arrangements as part of a wider transformation programme across the business.
"We have also agreed a £44.7 million redress package with Ofwat which will direct funding towards environmental improvements and actions to reduce the impact of storm overflows.
"As part of this package, nearly £40.6 million will fund additional work to reduce spills from specific storm overflows and tackle groundwater entering the sewer network - a major cause of frequent spills. This will include targeted investment at priority sites as well as investigations and improvement work on parts of the sewer network to reduce infiltration.
"A further £4.1 million will be invested to help improve improve river water quality in extremely sensitive catchments. This will include establishing a new £1 million Cymuned Natur Fund to support community groups and charities across our operating area that are working to protect and enhance the natural environment.
"These actions are in addition to the £4.2 billion we are investing between 2025 and 2030, including £2.5 billion dedicated to environmental improvements - with £889 million specifically targeted at improving storm overflows."
Ends
Press Enquiries to Welsh Water press office on 01443 452452