Environment Agency publishes revised EPA methodology for water companies 2026-30
The Environment Agency (EA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have published a revised Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) methodology for 2026–30 to strengthen how water and sewerage companies in England and Wales are assessed and compared. The updated, non-statutory framework introduces a new five-point numeric and descriptive rating system, replacing the previous four-star scale, to provide a clearer and more consistent evaluation of company performance based on red-amber-green (RAG) metrics. The revisions, developed jointly following consultation, include new and enhanced measures such as assessments of data reliability from storm overflow monitors, the frequency of ‘dry day spills’, and stricter rules under new Water Industry Regulation Incidents (WIRI) guidance requiring companies to report all pollution events and removing their ability to downgrade incidents if pollution enters a waterbody. The first report using the updated methodology will cover 2026 data and be published in 2027, with full implementation phased in by 2030. Supported by improved technology, expanded regulatory powers and increased inspection capacity, the EA and NRW aim to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and drive reductions in pollution to achieve higher environmental standards across the water sector.