Peters & Peters

ESG Enforcement Tracker

Charting the rise of criminal and regulatory enforcement

Ofwat confirms £62.8 million enforcement package for Anglian Water over wastewater failures

Date:
29 July 2025
Relevant legislation/regulation:
Water Industry Act 1991 and Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994
Jurisdiction:
United Kingdom
Status:
Closed
Regulator/enforcement authority:
Ofwat
ESG Category:
Environmental
Defendant(s)/subjects(s):
Anglian Water

Key Facts:

On 29 July 2025, Ofwat announced a proposed £62.8 million enforcement package against Anglian Water. This followed findings that the company breached its legal obligations in managing its wastewater treatment works and network. The investigation revealed Anglian Water has failed in the adequate operation, maintenance and oversight of its wastewater. This included its failure to have in place adequate processes and oversight by its senior management and Board to ensure legal requirements were met. 

The enforcement package comprises:

  • A £5.8 million community fund to support projects delivering environmental and social benefits, with a focus on restitution of the water environment.
  • £57 million investment in ‘Excess Flow Management Plans’ across eight catchments in the region.
  • Accelerated delivery of infrastructure upgrades (already planned for 2025-30) through its Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan.
  • A remediation and compliance plan to ensure storm overflows comply with legal requirements.

Ofwat welcomed Anglian Water’s acknowledgment of its failings and its commitment to corrective action.

The enforcement package was finalised in September 2025, following a public consultation pursuant to the Water Industry Act 1991.

Sources: 

Ofwat press releases (29 July 2025 and 9 September 2025)

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