South West Water investigation launched due to ‘serious failings’

South West Water is to be investigated by Ofwat owing to the company's 'serious failings' which need to be addressed. 

Ofwat, which regulates the water sector in England and Wales, announced the investigation yesterday. 

The investigation will relate to the accuracy of South West Water's reporting of its leakage and per capita consumption (PCC), which water companies are accessed by. Ofwat has said it will not release any further information until the investigations are complete. 

Honiton and Tiverton MP Richard Foord has welcomed the investigation. He said:

"The fact that Ofwat has launched this investigation into South West Water reinforces what we already knew – that there are serious failings in the way some of our utility companies are being run.

"This action is overdue, as it's clear that South West Water is being run for the benefit of shareholders; our local communities are an afterthought. Their negligence has seen a stream of sewage dumped in our rivers and on our beaches, while communities are left facing burst pipes and hosepipe bans.

"The Government has repeatedly rebuffed Liberal Democrats' efforts to clamp down on this behaviour, claiming that Ofwat has the ability to properly regulate the actions of water companies. Sadly, to date we've seen little tangible action.

"Now is their chance to prove they mean business and reassure the public that water company bosses will not be allowed to get away with this shockingly poor performance."