‘average’ or a disgrace?

Ofwat’s Water Company Performance Report was meant to be out in September — but it quietly appeared towards the end of October instead.

Better late than never.

We've been having a good look through and (quelle surprise) it doesn’t make comfortable reading for our friends at South West Water.

The regulator has placed the company in its “average” category, but that feels generous.

Pollution, water supply interruptions, and customer satisfaction remain serious weak points.

On the Customer Measure of Experience (C-MeX), South West Water scored 69.48, ranking 15th out of 17 companies, well below the industry median of 74.74.

The Environment Agency rated South West Water “red” for pollution, recording 108 incidents per 10,000 km of sewer network in 2024 — among the worst in the sector.

On water supply interruptions, customers experienced an average of 14 minutes 44 seconds without water — more than double the industry benchmark.

Ofwat has also launched a formal investigation into how South West Water manages its sewage treatment works and wastewater network, citing possible breaches of its legal obligations.

While individual figures shift slightly year to year, the overall trend remains the same — progress is too slow.

And here in Devon and Cornwall, where clean water defines our beaches, rivers, and local livelihoods, that matters deeply.

But there is some good news ... Pennon Group Plc, which, owns South West Water, still managed to *cue huge sigh* pay out £133.7 million in dividends to its shareholders for the year ending 31 March 2025.

So that's alright then?!