THE region's water company faces a multi-million pound fine in a move welcomed by the constituency's MP.

The Water Services Regulation Authority, or Ofwat, issued a £17m fine to Northumbrian Water after discovering 'systemic' 'operational issues' at many of its wastewater sites.

The regulator also uncovered a 'catalogue of failure' by Thames Water and Yorkshire Water in their sewage management processes and face greater fines of even more than Northumbrian Water's £17m.

Hexham MP Joe Morris supported the decision, stating 'enough is enough'.

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Ofwat's investigation revealed Northumbrian Water failed to ensure sewage was only discharged from storm overflows, which are released when the system is overwhelmed, in exceptional circumstances, causing harm to the environment and their customers.

The company also did not have 'adequate and routine processes to enable it to properly monitor and assess its compliance' with environmental regulations.

Responding to Ofwat’s proposal to fine the three water companies, Mr Morris said: “I welcome Ofwat’s proposal to fine Northumbrian Water £17m. Enough is enough. Last year alone there were more than 3,700 sewage spills in our constituency.

"Ofwat has found severe mismanagement of wastewater treatment works that are causing harm to residents and our environment, with breaches dating back to 2017. The high levels of spills have been identified as being due to water companies failing to carry out essential maintenance and upgrades to waste treatment works. In addition to the fines, Ofwat will put in place enforcement orders to ensure water companies rectify issues.

“Our rivers and waterways are central to our natural beauty. Local residents have told me of their deep concern and they have rightly demanded action. Our rivers define this region and hold a special place in the hearts of people across the Hexham constituency.

“This new Labour Government has already started the work evidently needed to clean up our rivers and seas. This will include fining or criminally charging failing water companies and blocking water bosses' bonuses, ending water companies' cover-ups of illegal dumping, placing them in special measures to keep our waterways clean and protect people’s health, and giving customers more powers to hold water companies to account."

A spokesperson from Northumbrian Water said: "We are very disappointed by Ofwat’s decision to impose a penalty in respect of its Flow to Full Treatment investigation and don’t recognise some of the standards of compliance that Ofwat is enforcing. These are a departure from its previous practice and appear inconsistent with those of the Environment Agency and the Government and with Ofwat’s own practice in the past. 

“We’re working really hard to continue to deliver for customers and the environment and will continue to comply with and exceed Government regulations."