09 Oct 2024

A coalition of nature groups (including Wildlife and Countryside Link, Rivers Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and Angling Trust) has released analysis of water company business plans for the next five years, recently given draft approval by Ofwat. The scorecard recognises much needed commitments and funding increases in many vital areas, but also shows gaps in water protections […]

09 Oct 2024

A report commissioned by Ofwat provides insight on how the Water Efficiency Fund proposed for AMP8 could be used to help improve the outcomes from the rollout of smart water meters, based on lessons from the energy sector. Ofwat is working with partners to consider the recommendations from the report as the regulator develops its […]

09 Oct 2024

Water companies’ failure to deal with customers’ concerns over environmental performance and water meters has fuelled a steep rise in complaints to the consumer watchdog.   Credit: The Climate Reality Project   The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) saw the number of complaints which had to be escalated to it by household customers in England […]

09 Oct 2024

The year 2023 marked the driest year for global rivers in over three decades, according to a new report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which signalled critical changes in water availability in an era of growing demand.   Credit: Chasing Lyu Key messages 2023 was driest year for global rivers in 33 years […]

09 Oct 2024

The government is being urged to reform a “nightmare” system designed to help victims of flooding rebuild their homes and businesses, following an Unearthed investigation.   Credit: Wes Warren   The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant is supposed to award flood victims up to £5,000 to allow them to rebuild and flood proof their homes […]

09 Oct 2024

A new report presents findings from the 2023/2024 Continuous Household Survey in relation to household water usage. Key points Individual usage: On average 55% of respondents indicated they showered between 6 and 10 time a week. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said their average shower times were between 2 and 5 minutes. Household usage: Eighty-one […]

09 Oct 2024

From The Times An annual salmon count has found the lowest number of juveniles in one of the country’s most important rivers for the species. The steep decline uncovered during the counting and tagging of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon on the River Frome in Dorset has caused significant concern among scientists running the project. It […]

09 Oct 2024

Bathing water quality at some of England’s highest-rated beaches can decline sharply during the autumn and winter months, according to an internal Environment Agency (EA) study completed earlier this year, seen by Unearthed. Each year, designated swimming spots are sampled for bacteria between mid-May and late-September. Based on these summertime tests, each swimming spot is […]