Pennon Group, parent company of South West Water and Bristol Water, announces a delay in meeting their environmental performance goals, attributing the setback to severe weather conditions and a significant increase in rainfall.
Pennon Group, the parent company of South West Water and Bristol Water, has announced a delay in reaching their goal of a four-star environmental performance rating from the Environment Agency, now aiming for 2025 instead of the previous target of 2024. The delay is attributed to severe weather conditions, including a 50% increase in rainfall over the past year in the South West region, which has impacted the company’s efforts to improve its environmental performance. As a result, Pennon expects to receive a two-star rating for 2023, marking the second consecutive year of this lower rating, indicating that further improvements are necessary.
To address these challenges, Pennon has invested in several initiatives, including the diversification of water resources in Devon and progress in planned works in Cornwall, which aims to increase Cornwall’s water resources by 45%. The launch of a new desalination plant in South Cornwall is also anticipated within the next year to enhance water availability in the area.
Furthermore, the Environment Agency has mandated water companies in England and Wales to install monitoring devices on an additional 7,000 emergency overflow pipes. This move is part of an effort to increase transparency and address public concerns over sewage discharges into waterways, especially in areas designated for bathing and shellfish, and chalk rivers. Since 2015, the installation of monitors has heightened public awareness of sewage discharges, though issues with the consistency and effectiveness of monitoring operations persist. Studies suggest that the capacity limitations at wastewater treatment plants are a primary cause of untreated sewage overflows during dry periods, rather than weather conditions alone.
Only 16% of waterways in England and Wales meet EU ecological standards, underlining the magnitude of pollution challenges. The Environment Agency is investigating potential breaches of sewage regulations by six water companies and has launched a major criminal inquiry into over 2,200 sewage treatment works to ensure industry compliance. Water UK, representing water companies, has expressed a commitment to robust monitoring of storm overflows and acknowledged challenges in monitor maintenance.
In summary, Pennon Group’s efforts to enhance environmental performance and water management in the South West face delays due to extreme weather conditions and operational challenges. The broader water industry in England and Wales is under increased scrutiny to improve the monitoring and management of sewage discharges into waterways, with ongoing regulatory investigations aiming to ensure compliance and accountability within the sector.
