Anglian Water has been fined a record £1.42 million following serious failures in its supply systems that saw flakes and powder from unapproved materials enter drinking water across the East of England.
The breaches, which occurred between June and December 2021, affected around 1.3 million people. The water company admitted five offences under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court.
An investigation by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) found that Anglian Water had applied plastic-based coatings to submerged pipework that were not approved for use in drinking water systems. Over time, these coatings broke down, contaminating the supply with powder and flakes.
Despite being aware of the problem, Anglian Water continued to use the affected tanks. The DWI condemned the company’s “poor oversight” and “lack of staff training”.
‘Scandalous and a Disgrace’
Environment Secretary Steve Reed labelled the incident “scandalous and a complete disgrace”, adding that the fine “sends a clear signal that this criminal behaviour is unacceptable”.
Chief inspector of the DWI, Marcus Rink, stressed the importance of public health and stated that all non-compliant materials have now been removed. “Customers can remain confident in their water supplies,” he added.
Anglian Water, which also serves parts of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland, issued an apology, saying it had “fallen short” of expectations. A spokesperson said the company had since made “significant” investments to improve safety and had shared its learnings across the wider industry.
Though the court heard that the risk to public health was very low and no actual contamination was detected, the size of the fine reflects the seriousness of the failure.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vital role played by water companies in safeguarding public health and the severe consequences when standards are not met.
