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May 17 (Reuters) - Britain's water regulator set out a 2.8
billion pound ($3.95 billion) green investment plan on Monday as
it aims to lower pollution by utilities, some of which have come
under fire for their environmental performance.
Watchdog Ofwat said it is backing Severn Trent Water
, South Staffs Water, Pennon-owned South West Water
, Thames Water and United Utilities on new green
investment projects worth more than 850 million pounds.
It also proposed a further 1.9 billion pounds for future
environmental projects in the UK, which is targeting net-zero
carbon emissions by 2050.
In separate statements, Pennon said that 81 million pounds
of Ofwat's investment was allocated for South West Water's Green
Recovery Initiative over the period to 2025.
Larger rival Severn Trent said it has been earmarked to
receive 565 million pounds.
Some of Severn Trent's projects will increase water
supplies, trial the creation of two bathing areas in stretches
of the River Leam and the River Teme and help customers to save
water through installation of more than 150,000 smart meters.
"Today marks an important step in this country's green
economic recovery, with the water sector stepping up to make a
difference" said David Black, Ofwat's interim chief executive.
"From tackling the most pressing environmental issues to
providing economic stimulus with the backing of jobs and
training, there has never been a more important time to act."
Water utilities have faced scrutiny in the past for
polluting water bodies and not preventing wastage, with the most
notable action being a record fine handed to Thames Water in
2017 for pumping sewage into the River Thames.
The sector was also questioned over a series of supply
shortages and hosepipe bans in 2018.
Ofwat's plans are subject to a consultation, which is
expected to run until June.
($1 = 0.7087 pounds)
(Reporting by Muvija M in Bengaluru
Editing by David Goodman)
