The North East will see a £1.1bn investment to upgrade storm overflows, aiming to cut sewage spills and improve water quality.
North East: The Environment Agency is making big changes. They’re working with Natural England to clean up our water systems. This is the largest commitment from water companies since they were privatized.
They’ve launched the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). It includes over 24,000 actions for water companies to follow in the next five years. This plan is a £22.1bn investment, which is four times more than before.
These actions will improve our water infrastructure. They aim to secure future water supply, protect habitats, and enhance drinking water quality. In past WINEP rounds, they helped endangered species, like eels, by ensuring safe passage for them.
In the North East, there are many new obligations. They include protecting rivers, investing £1.1bn to upgrade storm overflows, and reducing sewage spills. They’ll also look into improving bathing water at Littlehaven and monitor emergency overflow sites.
Jim Heslop from the Environment Agency said this investment is a step forward. It will help the environment and boost local development. They’ll keep a close eye on Northumbrian Water to ensure they meet their commitments.
Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for the Environment, noted that our water system needs fixing. He emphasized that customers deserve better service for their bills. The government will ensure that money is used for these improvements.
As part of the PR24 process, the Environment Agency reviewed water companies’ actions. They worked with Ofwat and Natural England to ensure these actions address environmental issues effectively.
Natural England will guide water companies on how their activities affect protected sites. They aim to improve these areas through WINEP.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said this investment is a positive step for sustainable water management and biodiversity.
Chris Walters from Ofwat welcomed the WINEP program. They approved a record £104bn investment package, including £22bn for WINEP. This is a chance for water companies to improve their environmental performance.
The Environment Agency and regulators will push water companies to adopt new technologies. These efforts are vital for reducing pollution and managing water efficiently.
This investment will be reflected in upcoming customer bills. It’s all about improving our water systems for everyone.
