WATER companies have been ordered to return £158million to customers after failing to meet pollution targets. The industry regulator, Ofwat, announced the rebate following its annual review of the performance of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales . 1 Each year, Ofwat evaluates the performance of the 17 largest water and wastewater companies in England and Wales against key targets, including sewer flooding, supply interruptions, and water leaks.
For the second consecutive year, no company attained the highest rating, although four companies demonstrated improvement compared to the previous year. As a result, millions of customers at 13 water companies could see their bills slashed next year as the watchdog issues penalties. Customers at the following water firms will benefit: Read more in money BILL HELP Huge boost as money saving scheme extended all year round Thames Water Anglian Water Yorkshire Water Southern Water Welsh Water South West Water South East Water Wessex Water Affinity Water Bristol Water Portsmouth Water South Staffs Water Hafren Dyfrdwy David Black, chief executive of Ofwat, said: "This year's performance report is stark evidence that money alone will not bring the sustained improvements that customers rightly expect.
"It is clear that companies need to change and that has to start with addressing issues of culture and leadership. Too often we hear that weather, third parties or external factors are blamed for shortcomings. "Companies must .