Severn Trent-owned Welsh water firm that was allowed to hike bills by 9% is ordered to pay £280,000 over sewage spills

Hafren Dyfrdwy, a Welsh water company serving approximately 109,000 customers across mid and north-east Wales, failed to properly maintain its drainage and sewer network. Ofwat's enforcement chief Lynn Parker said the breaches caused 'excessive spills from storm overflows'. Average bills have already risen £54 to £635 for 2026-27. This is the ninth case to emerge from a sector-wide sewage investigation.

The £280,000 package must be met by shareholders, not customers, and paid by 2030.

The company must build two storm water balancing tanks as part of measures to cut spills.

Managing director Steph Cawley apologised and said she accepted Ofwat's findings.