FURY OVER RESERVOIR FLOGS

Exclusive by Jack Clover WATER firms have flogged 35 reservoirs in the past five years and only built two new ones.

Critics say sold-off reservoirs could have eased the drought and helped the companies avoid releasing sewage into the sea.

The GMB union says firms have sold 232 properties in England and Wales since 2017, pocketing at least £26million. They include 35 former reservoirs – of which, the union estimates, 10 were in use until recently. Two small reservoirs opened in the same period – a storm tank in Preston and a contact tank in Oswestry.

Firms are obliged to stop using some reservoirs that are over 100 years old but critics say they are not investing in new ones. The GMB’S

Andy Prendergast said:

CAPACITY: Prendergast “These reservoirs were built with public money but since the industry was privatised we’ve seen a lack of investment. The lack of capacity means less storage for sewage.”

Water UK said: “New reservoirs are subject to lengthy scrutiny from regulators about their near-term need and value for money, as well as planning permission.”