Ofwat

Ofwat is the economic regulator of the privatized water industry in England and Wales. It oversees water companies, ensuring they provide efficient services and meet environmental standards. Ofwat is currently newsworthy due to increasing scrutiny over water company performance. Recent events include rising water bills (averaging £639 annually, a 5.4% increase), significant water outages affecting tens of thousands of customers (particularly in Kent and Sussex due to South East Water's infrastructure failures), and Thames Water reporting substantial profit increases after raising bills by nearly a third, despite failing to upgrade sewage treatment plants. The Environment Secretary has called for a review of South East Water's operating license, potentially leading to its revocation. Furthermore, communities are filing legal complaints against Thames Water for sewage pollution. Ofwat's role in holding these companies accountable and ensuring reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible water services is therefore under intense public and political pressure.