CARLISLE'S newly elected MP has welcomed Ofwat's decision to open an enforcement case against United Utilities as part of its ongoing investigation into how companies manage their wastewater treatment networks.

While all 11 water firms in England and Wales are under scrutiny by Ofwat for treatment works and networks, the water regulator announced it had now served formal enforcement notices on the four utilities firms – Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy, Severn Trent and United Utilities.

The water regulator said it showed “how concerned we are about the sector’s environmental performance”.

It means it has gathered evidence and found the firms may have breached their obligations to protect the environment, which could lead to fines.

READ MORE: Thousands of hours of raw sewage dumped into north Cumbria's waterways

“The new Labour Government has been clear that we will crack down on poor performance from the water companies," Ms Minns said. 

"We won’t tolerate sewage being pumped into our rivers, lakes and seas, and I welcome Ofwat’s investigation into whether United Utilities are fulfilling their obligations to protect rivers like the Eden and the Caldew," Ms Minns said. 

Enforcement cases against Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South West Water, Thames Water, Wessex Water, and Yorkshire Water were previously announced in 2022 with extensive investigations still ongoing. 

The Carlisle MP has requested a meeting with Ofwat regarding this issue.

In response to the investigation, a United Utilities spokesperson said: “United Utilities understands and shares people’s concerns about the issue of storm overflows, which is why we have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in recent years to reduce the number of spills.

"As part of this strategic plan, we have accelerated schemes to target overflows with the highest number of spills, led by a 500 strong team of experts – including data scientists, engineers and construction specialists.

"Our investment is already delivering results, with significant reductions in the number of spills at key sites, such as Cargo near Carlisle.

“Following today’s announcement from Ofwat, we will continue to work closely with the regulator and provide it with the information it requires as part of the next stage of its sector-wide review into storm overflow operations.”