Sewage & Combined Storm Overflow Impact Analysis on the English water utility sector

alva’s latest analysis looks into the reputational impact of sewage and combined storm overflow issues on water utility companies in England.

The report, based on analysis of media and social media data, looks at eight English water utility companies and how sewage and combined storm overflow has impacted their reputations.

Key findings of the report are:

• Combined Storm Overflow represents the most significant reputational challenge to all water utilities, but especially Southern Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water
• Local environmental groups and NGOs are a key and very vocal stakeholder group that can and will challenge water utilities on their conduct
• Southern Water is still recovering reputationally from Ofwat’s “record” £90m fine around sewage disposal in 2021

Download the full report here.