Cambridge Water Failures Pose Threat To Environment And Water Supply
The annual reviews by Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of the performance of England’s water companies were published on 21 October 1. Jean Glasberg, Green Party City Councillor, says: “These letters make shocking reading. They provide the detail behind the recent national publicity on the scandalous failure of the water industry.”
The letter to Cambridge Water 2, the supplier of the city’s water, states clearly that “Your current performance is a risk to the environment and security of supply…” and points out that there is an on-going deficit in the ‘supply-demand’ balance. Despite the alarms that have been raised, the company is still not addressing the challenge of supplying the rising need for water, much of it due to new development, nor has it reduced the impact of its abstractions on the environment, including harm to chalk streams. Perhaps not surprisingly, Cambridge Water’s 2025 draft Water Resources Management Plan has still not been approved by Defra.
The letter explains how, in 2019, Cambridge Water forecast the improvements it would have made by 2024, and shows that these have not been achieved. Key failures are: interruptions in supply (72% above the forecast and due mainly to system breakdowns or pollution); delay in installing water meters; and leakage from pipes. The significant increase in demand from the non-household sector, including new science parks, is not adequately addressed and there are questions over data accuracy. The company has until 29th November to explain the action it will take on the problems identified 3.
“The fundamental problem is the assumption by all involved that economic growth and the development of new high value industries must go ahead” says Jean Glasberg. “We must pause the approval of large developments until there is evidence the water crisis can be resolved. The EA’s objections to recently approved planning applications were correct, and Cambridge Water must move much faster to address its shortcomings”.| 1 | https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/publications/4/ |
| 2 | https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/publication/cambridge-water-wrmp-annual-review-2024-letter/ |
| 3 | Other water companies are also in trouble. South Staffs Water, the company owning Cambridge Water is dubbed “the worst performing company this year”. The letter to Anglian Water highlights ‘serious concerns’ with security of supply and risks to the environment. |