Anglian Water should have their £3.5 million Executive bonus banned until sewage releases and leaks are tackled
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to ban bonuses for Anglian Water until performance on sewage releases and leaky pipes greatly improves.
Last week Mayor Dave Hodgson visited the Water Recycling Centre to talk to Robin Price, Anglian Water's Director of Environment and Quality and colleagues. Mayor Dave raised the issues of sewage releases, leaks and odour.
On sewage releases there was some positive news. Anglian Water is investing in additional storm capacity to reduce releases of untreated waste. In addition, data published showing very high incidences of sewage releases from Odell Water Recycling Centre turn out to be a big over-estimate due an instrument error!
Mayor Dave said "We'll watch the future data on sewage releases with interest and of course want to see releases into our rivers as extremely rare events. The big bonuses reported for Executives don't sit easily with the information the public is seeing."
Over the last 3 years, Anglian Water have reduced their leaks by 6%. They are estimated to lose approximately 190,000 cubic metres of water each day - enough to fill 500 swimming pools every single day. Anglian Water flagged up that this very dry weather, that has dried out clay soils in particular, puts a big strain on pipework and will probably result in more leaks that need to be fixed.
Dave continued: "My visit and discussion was very useful. I learnt that Anglian Water, like Bedford Borough Council, is aiming to be net zero by 2030, about the creation of wetlands as part of the water recycling process and a willingness to work with partners on designated bathing sites. I look forward to these opportunities to work together. On more day to day matters - if you are notice a sewage odour that you think is due to the Water Recycling Centre (Sewage Treatment Works), let Anglian Water know the date, time and strength of the odour: bedford@anglianwater.co.uk"