Severn Trent boss shrugs off water shortage fears amid barrage of criticism over leaks, hosepipe bans and sewage

Severn Trent has insisted higher water levels leave it well placed for a dry summer as the industry faces a barrage of criticism over leaks, hosepipe bans and sewage. 

The supplier for the Midlands and Wales, which has 4.6m customers and is led by chief executive Liv Garfield, said reservoirs are 77 per cent full – 10 per cent higher than the same period of 2022. 

Asked whether this would mean no hosepipe bans this summer, a spokesman said: ‘Severn Trent hasn’t put a hosepipe ban in place in our region since 1995. Reservoir levels are in excellent shape.’ 

South East Water last month became the first company to impose a hosepipe ban in Kent and Sussex. 

The industry, rocked by fears over the future of debt-stricken Thames Water, has faced a backlash over leaking pipes and sewage spills. 

But Garfield said yesterday: ‘The business is well-placed to deliver the progress needed with a highly engaged workforce, sustained operational leadership and a strong balance sheet supporting future investment.’ 

Garfield, who has run the FTSE 100 water provider since 2014, was paid £3.2million last year, taking her earnings since she took over to £25million.