News

UK water companies complain to Trading Standards about 'flushable' products

UK water companies have written to Trading Standards over misleading packaging of wet wipes and other sanitary products that claim these items are ‘flushable’. These products cause misery to millions of people around the world by blocking sewers and contributing to floods.

Quality of UK water environment continues to rise

Reports out today from the Environment Agency show that pollution incidents from water companies are falling while the quality of our water environment continues to rise.

Complaints fall for eighth successive year

Today’s report from the Consumer Council for Water shows that while written complaints are marginally down on last year, it is the eighth successive annual reduction and written complaints are now down 60% compared to eight years ago.

Campaign calls for ban on 'misleading' wet wipes advertising

A report has been presented to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that calls for a ban on the word 'flushable' on wet wipes, which do not break down like conventional toilet paper after going down the U-bend.

UK water companies lead global battle against 'misleading' wet wipes advertising

UK water companies are leading a global battle against misleading claims that wipes are flushable. These so called ‘flushable’ wet wipes cause misery to millions of people around the world by blocking sewers and contributing to nasty floods in their homes and wider environment.

Water UK response to Ofwat residential competition report

The UK water regulator, Ofwat, has produced a report about introducing competition to the residential retail water market.

Research shows more action needed to protect against growing drought risk

An effective response to the significant and growing risk of drought in England and Wales is possible if concerted action is taken now, according to new research published by the water industry today.

Take the RNLI H2Only challenge

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching the H2Only campaign today which challenges people to drink nothing but water for 10 days. In 2015, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland rescued 7,973 people, saving 348 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards helped 18,181 people and saved 94 lives.

Awareness of plumbing notification laws

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), with the support of WaterSafe and UK water companies, has launched a campaign to raise awareness of plumbing notification laws.

Plastic microbeads to be banned by 2017

The Environment Secretary, Andrea Leadsom, has announced plans to ban microbeads in cosmetic and cleaning products in the UK by 2017. This follows a report by the Environmental Audit Committee highlighting the damaging impact they can have on the marine environment.

MPs call for ban on microplastics

MPs have called for a worldwide ban on plastic microbeads in cosmetic products following a report by the Environmental Audit Committee highlighting the damaging impact they can have on the marine environment.

Consumers using water more wisely

High standards for developer services maintained

The water industry has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the delivery of new homes in the UK by maintaining its high standards of service to developers.

Satisfaction with value for money increases to five year high

Satisfaction with value for money among water customers has increased to a five year high according to CCWater's annual 'Water Matters' survey, published this week.

Wet wipes turn nasty if you flush them

The Marine Conservation Society is leading a campaign to ensure wet wipes go in the bin, not down the loo. Toilets are designed for the three Ps only: poo, pee and (toilet) paper.

Microbeads face UK ban

The UK government has stated that it will consider a ban on plastic microbeads in personal care products such as face scrubs and shower gels. The beads are designed to exfoliate the skin, but as some are less than a millimetre wide, they can be missed by water filters after being rinsed off and travel into the sea.

Developer Services maintain high standards

The water industry is continuing to play its part in the delivery of new homes in the UK by maintaining its high standards of services to developers.

Water: the healthy choice

The Local Government Association has reported today that the cost of removing decayed teeth in children has jumped 61% in the last five years – rising to more than £35 million a year. One solution to this problem is to encourage tap water as the default choice of hydration for the younger generations, moving them away from unhealthy sugary alternatives.