Nub News Add News Listing Dashboard / News / Add News Site* Additional Towns Is National? News Category* Item Title:* Content* A record-breaking £4.2 billion is set to be invested in Somerset’s water infrastructure, as part of a £22.1 billion national programme to tackle pollution, leaks, and environmental damage. Wessex Water and Bristol Water have pledged billions to clean up rivers, reservoirs, and water supplies across the region, with commitments to cut sewage discharges, restore natural habitats, and improve water quality in areas including Frome, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, and Street. The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) will force water companies across England to take 24,000 environmental actions over the next five years—quadrupling previous investment. For Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, and Street, where water quality in rivers and local reservoirs has been a growing concern, the commitment is being welcomed—but with water companies facing growing public anger over sewage discharges and pollution incidents, many are questioning whether this is enough to undo years of damage. Wessex Water is investing £4.2 billion, an increase of £1.6 billion compared to the previous cycle, with key pledges including: £515 million to cut storm overflow discharges by 17% A 48% reduction in pollution incidents £820 million to slash phosphorus levels in rivers by 49% A 9% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions A 13% drop in leakage, with households expected to use 5% less water Bristol Water is investing £709 million, with commitments to: Cut leakage by 16% Reduce household and business water use Lower its carbon footprint by 4% One of the biggest concerns for Somerset is the state of local rivers and chalk streams, including those that feed into key water sources in the Mendip Hills and beyond. In Dorset, the River Frome catchment is set for major restoration, while the Hampshire Avon will see new measures to prevent over-extraction of water. Wessex Water and South West Water have also committed to river restoration projects to help improve biodiversity. Locally, the restoration efforts could mean a cleaner water supply, improved wildlife habitats, and a reduction in waterborne pollution affecting Somerset’s natural landscape. However, concerns remain over the continued use of storm overflows, which see sewage discharged into rivers during heavy rainfall—something that has drawn heavy criticism from campaigners. Phillip Ham, area environment manager for Wessex Water, said: “We take water for granted and assume the environment we enjoy today will simply be there waiting for future generations. That’s only possible by giving back wherever we can.” While government officials have backed the investment, they have also warned that tougher enforcement measures will be put in place to hold water companies to account. Steve Reed, Secretary of State for the Environment, said: “It is no secret that our water system needs fixing and that our rivers, lakes, and seas are choked by pollution. Customers deserve the money they pay in bills to go towards improving the service they receive.” The Water (Special Measures) Bill will introduce new powers to ban bonuses for executives responsible for pollution and could see criminal charges brought against companies that fail to meet their legal obligations. The Environment Agency, Ofwat, and Natural England will monitor progress closely, with the power to fine companies or take enforcement action if targets are missed. Despite the promises, the reality for residents in Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, and Street remains uncertain. Many locals have raised concerns over the impact of pollution on local rivers and reservoirs, particularly following reports of sewage discharges and declining water quality in recent years. With water bills expected to rise to help fund these improvements, Somerset residents will be watching closely to see if this investment brings the real, lasting change the region’s water system so desperately needs. Strapline:* Character limit (Between 90–160) 124 / 160 Somerset to benefit from a £4.2B investment in water infrastructure to tackle pollution and leaks amid public concern over sewage discharges.