Ofwat orders Wessex Water invest £11m for sewage failures

(Sharecast News) - Ofwat has ordered Wessex Water to spend £11m to upgrade its wastewater network after failings by the utility provider in preventing sewage overflows. The water regulator announced on Tuesday that the so-called "enforcement package" was a result of a failure to operate, maintain and upgrade the network to ensure it could cope with the flows of sewage and wastewater.

The fine was originally announced on 11 November, but was followed by a three-week consultation period for customers and stakeholders to feedback on the draft decision.

Ofwat has stated that the fine must be paid for by the company and its shareholders, and no through customer bills.

"It is over and above the investment Wessex Water is required to deliver under the price review and separate from the steps the company will need to take to become compliant," the regulator said.

The money will go towards helping private landowners to seal their sewer pipes, reducing spills at specific storm overflows, intalling monitoring equipment and helping customers manage rainwater.

"We are pleased with the conclusion of Wessex Water's case," said Lynn Parker, senior director for enforcement at Ofwat.

"This is the sixth case completed in our wider wastewater investigation, which during 2025 has resulted in Ofwat securing £250m in fines and enforcement packages. These cases are a crucial part of holding water companies to account and driving the transformation of the water sector that the public wants to see."