Regulators publish first joint report on water industry performance, giving the public a clearer picture of company performance

Press release published by Environment Agency on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 09:05 UK time · 2026 Burnham Labour government.

What was announced

Regulators join forces for first combined report on water company performance.
Environment Agency, gov.uk

The Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Ofwat have today published the first Water Industry Performance Insights report . The four regulators have brought their evidence together, giving the public, governments and industry a single, clear view of how the water industry is performing.
The report reflects a shared commitment by regulators to transparency, accountability and driving improvements across the sector for consumers and the environment. It marks a step towards a more integrated, joined-up approach to water regulation, as signalled by the UK and Welsh Governments, who have outlined a once-in-a-generation programme to transform the water system, including the Water Bill.
Water touches every part of daily life. People expect clean, safe drinking water. They expect services to keep working during drought and that their rivers and coastlines are protected. Regulators exist to hold companies to account for that and to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

Each line is quoted from the original. Figures are as the publisher stated them on the day.

“The joint report shows a mixed picture, but with strengths to build on: Drinking water quality remains among the best in the world, with 99.97% of tests meeting the required standards.”
“Companies have reduced internal sewer flooding in homes and local businesses, a particularly distressing customer failure, by 43% in recent years.”
“Pollution incidents remain one of the main areas of concern, with 2,991 incidents across England and Wales in 2025, including 84 classed as serious.”
“Just 93.7% of required environmental improvement actions were completed on time, with 142 of 2,254 planned actions not delivered.”
“Marcus Rink, Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate said: Consumers in England and Wales can have continued confidence that their drinking water remains among the highest quality in the world, with 99.97% of tests meeting the strict standards that protect public health.”
“Water companies have committed record levels of investment for 2025 to 2030, with over £104 billion to upgrade water and sewage networks.”

Topics, as GOV.UK files them: Water management.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.