Strong service and operational improvements in Wessex Water’s interim results

We’re pleased to report a strong first half of the 2025–26 financial year, as we continue to perform well against our targets.

We’ve maintained high scores in Ofwat’s C-MeX table and on Trustpilot, retained the Customer Service Excellence award, and held the top spot in CCW’s annual complaint handling report.

At the same time, we’re expanding help for those in financial difficulty and increasing access to our Priority Services Register, which already supports more than 150,000 customers with additional needs.

We’re also committed to improving our environmental performance, and while we recorded no serious pollution incidents last year, minor incidents did rise. To address this, we’re investing in sewer network improvements with our goal being to install 10,000 more in-sewer monitors by 2030, with 2,300 already added this year. Alongside this, we’re expanding water recycling centres, relining hundreds of kilometres of sewers to extend their life, and launching a new rainwater management strategy to keep rain out of sewers in partnership with customers and stakeholders.

We’re leading the way in carbon-friendly, nature-based wastewater treatment solutions, such as wetlands and reedbeds, with a record 31 new projects approved for construction between 2025 and 2030.

Water resources remain under pressure following an extremely dry spring and summer, leaving reservoirs and aquifers below average as we head into winter. This has also increased leakage, but we’ve accelerated repairs and are trialling innovative detection methods, including satellite imagery.

Looking ahead to the rest of AMP8 (2025–30), we have ambitious plans, with a record £3.65 billion investment planned – over £2 billion more than AMP7. Our AMP8 business plan referral to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is nearing its final stages, with the final outcome in 2026.

We remain committed to delivering what customers want: reduced pollution, resilient water supply, straightforward local customer service and extra support for those who need it. Our sole owner, YTL, fully backs our investment programme, including reinvesting dividends to ensure we remain financially resilient.

To achieve these goals, we’re focused on attracting and retaining top talent and developing specialist skills through the YTL Wessex Academy. This year, we’ve welcomed 60 new recruits into our apprenticeship and graduate schemes.

Financially, the first half of the year saw turnover rise by £78.7m, from £332.5m to £411.2m, while profits after tax increased from £19.6m to £50.1m.