Hafren Dyfrdwy promises change after £280,000 fine over sewage

Water regulator Ofwat has proposed accepting a £280,000 enforcement package following its finding that Hafren Dyfrdwy has breached its legal obligations in the operation of its wastewater treatment works and network.

Ofwat has proposed accepting a £280,000 enforcement package following its finding that Hafren Dyfrdwy has breached its legal obligations in the operation of its wastewater treatment works and network.  

Their investigation found that the company breached its obligations, failing to effectually provide drainage and deal with the contents of its sewers.

The company was also found to have historically breached requirements of its licence to have in place adequate processes and systems to meet those obligations. While it now has the right processes in place, the company is required to rectify all outstanding issues and ensure future compliance with regard to these obligations. 

In acknowledging these breaches, Hafren Dyfrdwy has agreed to take the steps necessary to address the problems identified and has proposed a redress package of £280,000, which would need to be delivered between now and 2030. These costs would be paid for by the company and its shareholders, and not through higher customer bills.

The package includes the installation of two storm water balancing tanks at Llansantffraid Sewage Pumping Station to reduce spills, and a community-based offering with the company working with the Llanfyllin Dolydd Building Preservation Trust to support creation of a wetland habitat on the Llanfyllin Workhouse. This is expected to be completed by 2030. 

Lynn Parker, Senior Director for Enforcement at Ofwat, said: “Our investigation found unacceptable breaches by Hafren Dyfrdwy, which have resulted in excessive spills from storm overflows. We are clear this is unacceptable and now expect the company to focus on putting things right so that customers can regain trust in their water company and the critical service they provide. 

“We understand that the public wants to see transformative change. That is why we are prioritising this sector-wide investigation, which is holding companies, like Hafren Dyfrdwy, to account. To date, Ofwat has concluded eight cases in the investigation, resulting in more than £300m in enforcement packages and penalties.”

This enforcement package is in addition to the company rectifying any identified breaches so that it has processes in place to ensure future compliance.

A public consultation will now follow on the proposed package before Ofwat’s final decision is made and published. The consultation will last 21 days, closing on November 6 at 5pm.