SEVERN Trent, which provides water across Worcestershire, is now being investigated for its sewage spills.

This follows 'heightened concerns' from regulator Ofwat that water firms may not be fulfilling their obligations to protect the environment and minimise pollution.

Severn Trent provides over eight million people across the region with drinking water, including those in Worcester. 

Ofwat has opened enforcement cases against Severn Trent, as well as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy, and United Utilities to gather evidence for its ongoing investigation into how companies manage their wastewater treatment works and networks.

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But Severn Trent said this did not imply it had breached its obligations and added it would continue to be 'fully transparent.'

Ofwat said the opening of these cases follows an analysis of information on companies’ environmental performance and data about how often these companies spill from storm overflows. 

The regulator added this analysis heightened its concerns that these firms may not be fulfilling their obligations to protect the environment and minimise pollution.

Ofwat now has enforcement activities underway against all 11 water and wastewater companies in England and Wales about the operation of their wastewater businesses.

The regulator said while it has concerns it feels it must investigate, opening an enforcement case does not automatically imply the firm has breached its legal obligations. 

Details of its findings will be published after the investigation and where appropriate, any proposed action to remedy any identified breaches will be revealed. 

However, Ofwat added it was committed to concluding these cases as quickly as possible. 

An Ofwat spokesperson added: "Severn Trent has recently announced an ambitious programme to significantly reduce use of storm overflow which Ofwat welcomes. 

"The investigation will consider both current and past performance and reflect on the steps companies are now taking in deciding if and what action is needed."

A Severn Trent statement, released on its website, said:  "At Severn Trent, we have consistently demonstrated that we are a sector leader in environmental performance. 

"We have always maintained full transparency regarding our wastewater operations and will continue to do so.

"We note Ofwat's announcement this morning. 

"The Section 203 notice served upon Severn Trent Water enables Ofwat to request information to ascertain whether or not there has in fact been any non-compliance regarding their wastewater treatment processes and ultimately whether any actions are required to ensure compliance on a forward-looking basis.

"A Section 203 notice does not imply that Ofwat will conclude that there has been any operating licence contravention or that they will pursue formal enforcement action or impose a financial penalty.

"We will work constructively with Ofwat on this matter and are confident in reaching a resolution as quickly as possible."