Water Companies
Learn about who supplies your water and the history behind them…
Who Supplies your Water?
Click on your regional water company to read its company profile…
Regional Water & Sewage
Water Only
- Affinity Water (AFW)
- Bournemouth Water (South West Water)
- Bristol Water (South West Water)
- Cambridge Water (South Staffs Water)
- Dŵr Cymru (WSH) - Regional
- Essex & Suffolk Water (ESK)
- Hafren Dyfrdwy (HDD)
- Portsmouth Water (PRT)
- SES Water (SES)
- South East Water (SEW)
- South Staffs Water (SSC)
Local Water & Sewage
- Albion Water
- Cholderton & District Water
- Icosa Water
- Independent Water Networks
- Leep Utilities
- Severn Trent Services
- SSE Water
- Sutton & East Surrey Water
- Veolia Water
History of England's Water Industry
The history of England’s water industry spans centuries and reflects the evolution of the societal needs, technological advancements and government legislation of water supply and sanitation.
Roman Era
The Roman era brought in advanced engineering techniques that focused on urban development. One of which was the development of rigorous, planned water and sanitation systems. The Romans also constructed aqueducts which allowed the transportation of water from long distances. They also constructed brick and stone sewer systems which transported wastewater away from urban areas. This was a pivotal moment in the construction of England’s water infrastructure.
16th to 18th Centuries
During this period, water supply issues were high as urban populations were growing exponentially. Efforts became focused on transporting water rather than treating it.
Victorian Times
During the Victorian times, the Public Health Act 1875 was established which set out framework for local authorities to provide clean water and appropriate sanitation for homes. Water treatment techniques such as sand filtration and chlorination were introduced. Governmental boards were created to monitor water environments.
1911 Water Act
The 1911 Water (Prevention of Pollution) Act strengthened the regulations on the quality of drinking water and provided funding for the construction of new water treatment plants.
1989 Water Act / Privatisation
The Water Act 1989 reorganised the bodies responsible for water in England and Wales. It privatised the water industry and remove it from local authority control. The new legislation divided these functions into two groups: water supply, sewerage and sewage disposal, which were controlled by 10 private companies; and river management, land drainage and pollution, which were the responsibility of the National Rivers Authority.
2003 Water Industry Act
The Water Act 2003 amended the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Water Industry Act 1991, established Ofwat and the Consumer Council for Water, and introduced new measures to protect water resources, prevent flooding, and deal with water pollution.
Further creation of Legislation and Plans
With the risk of aging infrastructure, climate change and human effects multiple advancements in the water industry continue to evolve, with the main focus targeting sustainability, environmental protection and water management.
Several frameworks and acts continue to be created addressing these challenges and improvements. See the government, regulators and public bodies page to read about these.
Ancient/Medieval Times
During this period, the water supply infrastructure in Britain deteriorated which meant the supply of water was localised. Many communities were built around sources of fresh water such as nearby rivers, wells and springs. Wells were most popularly constructed in the main towns and villages. Amongst this, water pipes made of wood and clay were created to direct water. This era focused more on the availability of water than the quality and use of sanitation systems.
19th Century
After the industrial revolution, lead to an increase in rapid urbanisation, the need for a constant supply of water and increased sanitation intensified. The construction of complex sewer systems began taking place to address the poor sanitation issues. The Thames River ‘Great Stink’ in 1858 was an example of this.
1900s Nationalisation
By the 1900s, water supply companies had been nationalised, and clean, running water came to be seen as a fundamental right for everyone in society. The water and sewage industry was considered a public health service.
1973 Water Act
This act played a significant role in reorganising the water industry. It focused on establishing regional water authorities to manage water supplies and wastewater treatments. The key objectives were to centralise management and resources as well as invest in water infrastructure and improvements in water quality.
1991 Water Industry Act
The Water Industry Act 1991 consolidated previous enactments relating to water supply and wastewater services in England and Wales, established Ofwat, and introduced new measures to improve water quality, protect water resources, and prevent flooding.
2010 UN Resolution
The UN officially recognises that clean water and sanitation is a human right. The right that every human being has the right to access between 50-100 litres of water per day at a safe, acceptable and affordable standard.
2022-2023 Performance Report
Ofwat has released their latest report, which details how England’s water and sewage companies have performed under Ofwat’s key targets.