Water firm to pay up £45m for foul spills

MONEY IN REDRESS PACKAGE MUST BE USED TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

- By ELLIE GOSLEY and STEVE BAGNALL

DWR Cymru Welsh Water has been accused of "serious and unacceptable breaches" in its operation of sewage works by the industry's regulator. As part of an enforcement package for these failures, Welsh Water is expected to pay a proposed £44.7m, according to Ofwat.

The regulator stated the water company had "breached its legal obligations in operating its wastewater treatment works and network."

Its investigation revealed Welsh Water did not adequately operate, maintain or upgrade its wastewater assets to ensure they could handle the volume of sewage and wastewater directed towards them.

Welsh Water acknowledged the findings of Ofwat's investigation and apologised for "falling short of the standards" expected by customers and regulators.