An investigation has been launched into Bolton’s main water supplier after concerns over “storm overflows.” This week watchdog Ofwat announced that it was opening an enforcement case into United Utilities, which provides water across Bolton and the North West, and other water companies. The state of waterways has long been a cause of concern, with thousands of sewage spills having been caused by storm overflows in Bolton in recent years.
Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle said: “This is welcome news, and I will await details of the findings of this new investigation.” In 2022 the Bolton North East and Bolton South East areas endured more than 1,200 wastewater spills each, while Bolton West saw more than 800. Water quality has been a cause of concern all over Bolton (Image: Paul Blinkhorn) This was according to figures gathered by the Top of the Poops website.
Ms Entwistle has previously called for tougher regulation of water companies and for more action to be taken against those found to have breached the government's rules. Regulator Ofwat says that it has now become concerned about the entire water sector in the UK. As well as United Utilities, the watchdog has announced this week that it is opening investigations into Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy and Severn Trent.
This means that Ofwat now has investigations open into all 11 water companies in England and Wales. Chief executive David Black said: “The fact that Ofwat now has enforcement cases with.