Deeside: Fears Welsh Water errors will hamper environmental improvements for rivers
Concerns have been raised by environmental groups following Welsh Water’s recent announcement that it had miscalculated both the volume of water leaking from its networks and the amount used by its customers in 2020/2021.
The utility company found that leakage was 52% higher than was previously stated and that customers had used 11% less water. Ofwat are now investigating the findings.
On behalf of Welsh Rivers Trusts, environmental charity Afonydd Cymru, wrote to the Chief Executives of Welsh Water and Ofwat asking for reassurances that the water company’s error would not threaten its commitments to improve future environmental performance and river water quality.
Gail Davies-Walsh, Chief Executive of Afonydd Cymru
Gail Davies-Walsh, Chief Executive of Afonydd Cymru, said: “Last week’s revelations give us some doubts about whether Welsh Water will be able to stick to its environmental improvement commitments. In particular, whether there will now be sufficient funding to reduce its negative impacts on rivers through improving sewage treatment work outfalls and overflows.”
She added: “Allocating a further £54 million to fix leaks and giving every household a £10 rebate (£14 million in total) means that extra money will need to be found. We do not want to see any slippage in Welsh Water’s delivery of work to improve river water quality as a result. This is something we will be watching closely.
Image https://www.deeside.com/
