WARRINGTON-based United Utilities has been rated as a 4-star company in the Environment Agency’s annual report on the environmental performance of England’s nine water and sewerage companies.
The EPA is the only independent comparison of environmental performance across the sector and since 2011, the Environment Agency has used it to rate each company from 1 star to 4 stars.
United Utilities, the water company operating across the North West, was rated as a 4 star company last year, which was an increase on the 3 star rating it achieved in 2022.
The company caused one significant pollution incident in 2023, which is significantly less than the industry average of five. The 216 total pollution incidents they caused in 2023, is an increase on the 126 for 2022, but their normalised rating of 28 total incidents per 10,000km of sewer is still less than the industry average of 36.
The company self-reported 94 per cent of incidents, which is above the industry average of 84 per cent and an improvement on its 2022 performance of 88 per cent.
Elsewhere, the company achieved 99 per cent compliance with it’s numeric permits, delivered 100 per cent of its schemes under the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), delivering 294 environment improvement projects They also meet their obligations on sludge use and disposal, and water supply and demand.
Andy Brown area environment manager for the Environment Agency, said: “It is encouraging to see United Utilities receive a 4-star rating, which shows it is possible for water companies to meet the required expectations.
“While they performed well across most areas assessed, there is absolutely no room for complacency and there are still some areas that need improvements. We are looking for United Utilities to maintain and consistently improve their performance and operations in the coming years. We also want to see no serious pollution incidents in the future and tougher fines.
“That is why we will continue our rigorous enforcement activity across the North West ensuring that when companies do commit environmental offences, they are rightly held to account.”
The full report is available to read on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-and-sewerage-companies-in-england-environmental-performance-report-2023
Picture: United Utilities headquarters at Lingley Mere
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