ESG Enforcement Tracker

Key facts:

Since November 2021, the EA and Ofwat have been separately investigating potential non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at wastewater treatment works.

The EA is investigating potential breaches of environmental permit conditions by all water and sewerage companies operating in England. The extent of potential non-compliance involves more than 2,000 wastewater treatment works.

In May 2024, as part of the investigation, Anglian Water Services Ltd was found guilty of failing to comply with a requirement to provide records requested by the EA. The EA had served several requirements for records on the company under section 108 of the Environment Act 1995.

The company was found guilty of failing, without reasonable excuse, to respond to one of the notices, contrary to section 110(2)(a) of the Environment Act 1995. The case was adjourned to 5 July 2024 for sentencing at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

The main investigation into the company and other water companies continues.