‘ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION’ reforms to the water industry - which will hold companies to account with tougher new powers when burst pipes cause flooding and sewage is discharged into watercourses - have been hailed as a huge step forward by local leaders.
For the first time in two decades, a chief engineer will sit inside a new single water regulator.
Their job is to bring back the hands-on checks of water infrastructure Ofwat has failed to provide, ending the days of water firms marking their own homework, resulting in crumbling pipes and unreliable services.
The new regulator will introduce an ‘MOT’ approach for water company infrastructure, requiring health checks on pipes, pumps and more.
It comes following mounting pressure from Barnsley’s MPs and councillors who have blasted firms such as Yorkshire Water - who were fined £865,000 last year after illegally discharging chlorinated water into an Ingbirchworth stream - for failing to take accountability.
MP Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “These new plans set out the bold reforms our communities have been calling for.
“Toxic sewage dumping from water companies affects our entire constituency, with the beautiful River Don and its tributaries running from Dunford Bridge through Penistone.
“For too long, water companies have been allowed to mark their own homework while bills have increased, infrastructure has crumbled and pollution has blighted our local rivers and reservoirs.
“These reforms finally mean lower water bills, real accountability and no more excuses for water companies.
“These are once-in-a-generation reforms for our water system - tough oversight and real accountability.
“Water companies will have nowhere to hide, customers will get the service they deserve, and investors will see a system built for the future.
“This builds on the tough action we’ve already delivered, from record investment to banning unfair bonuses.”
At the same time, a roll-out of smart metering and mandatory efficiency labels on items like dishwashers and washing machines will help households monitor their water use and cut costs.
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis also welcomed the move.
He added: “Over the years I’ve been contacted by hundreds of constituents angry about the fact that so many waterways in our borough and country were regularly filled with toxic sewage under the previous Conservative government.
“In fact, when Labour took office, we inherited record levels of illegal sewage in our rivers, lakes, and seas.
“Since we were elected, we’ve overseen a 400 per cent increase in the number of water inspections being carried out.
“In the same period, we’ve overseen a 145 per cent increase in criminal investigations against water companies, with 81 investigations.”
