Severn Trent Navigates Infrastructure Growth, Customer Habits, and Emergency Responses in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, Severn Trent Water finds itself at the intersection of critical infrastructure development, proactive public engagement, and immediate operational challenges. From urging customers to adopt more sustainable habits to expanding vital sewage works and responding to burst mains, the company’s diverse activities underscore the complex demands of modern water management.

Empowering Customers: The New Year’s Resolution for Water Wisdom

Kicking off the year, Severn Trent has launched a significant campaign, urging its customers to embrace simple yet impactful New Year’s resolutions aimed at protecting both their homes and the environment. This initiative isn’t just about corporate responsibility; it’s a direct appeal to the public to become active partners in maintaining the integrity of the water network and conserving precious resources.

Grant Mitchell, Blockages Lead at Severn Trent, highlighted the opportune timing of the campaign, stating, “The New Year is the perfect time to refresh and rethink some habits.” He emphasized that seemingly minor adjustments to daily routines could yield substantial benefits. The core message revolves around preventing blockages, a persistent and costly issue for both households and the wider water infrastructure. Customers are advised to meticulously scrape leftover grease into the bin, collect cooking oils in dedicated containers, and crucially, dispose of wipes in the bin rather than flushing them down the toilet. This last point is particularly vital, as even products marketed as “flushable” often fail to break down effectively, contributing to significant blockages.

The company reiterates the “three Ps” rule for toilets: only pee, poo, and paper should ever be flushed. Items like cotton buds, sanitary products, and indeed, all types of wipes, belong firmly in a bathroom bin. To further aid in grease disposal, Severn Trent suggests using kitchen roll to soak up fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before washing dishes, ensuring these harmful substances never enter the drainage system. “These small steps help protect your home and the environment, so let’s make 2026 the year of good habits,” Mitchell urged, encapsulating the campaign’s spirit.

Beyond preventing blockages, the campaign also champions water conservation. Simple acts like turning off the tap while brushing teeth can save up to six litres per minute. Fixing a dripping tap, an often-overlooked issue, can prevent the waste of over 5,000 litres annually, based on a single drip per second. Even shaving a minute off shower times contributes significantly to overall water savings. Howard Perry, network operations lead for leakage, underscored the year-round value of these efforts. “Saving water is worthwhile all year round – the less we waste the more reliable your supply is and the lower our bills need to be. Fixing leaks around the home for example can save hundreds of litres of water a day and can save you hundreds on your water bill,” Perry noted. This dual focus on preventing blockages and conserving water demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainable water management, positioning customers as key stakeholders in a collective effort.

Strategic Growth: Expanding Evesham Sewage Works for Future Needs

Concurrently with its public awareness campaigns, Severn Trent is also making significant strides in enhancing its core infrastructure. The company has announced comprehensive plans for the expansion of the Evesham Sewage Works, a critical undertaking designed to bolster the facility’s long-term sustainability and reliability. This strategic development reflects the ongoing need to upgrade and expand essential services to meet growing demand and environmental standards.

The expansion project will encompass additional land acquisition to the north and west of the existing site, located off Back Lane. This deliberate enlargement is necessary to accommodate the new infrastructure required for improved sewage treatment capabilities. Recognizing the site’s proximity to the picturesque Cotswolds National Landscape and its location within the Severn and Avon Vales National Character Area, Severn Trent has integrated robust environmental considerations into its plans. Documents submitted highlight commitments to extensive tree and hedgerow planting along the perimeter fencing. These carefully selected species will provide year-round coverage, effectively mitigating the visual impact of both the new security fence – a 2.1-meter high structure planned for the entire perimeter – and the expanded site itself. This thoughtful approach aims to balance operational necessity with aesthetic and ecological preservation.

While the construction phase may introduce a minor increase in local traffic, the company anticipates that post-expansion vehicle movements will largely align with current levels, minimizing long-term disruption. The public consultation period for these vital plans was set to close on January 6, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency and community engagement in its developmental projects. This expansion is not merely about increasing capacity; it’s about future-proofing essential services for the Evesham community, ensuring robust and environmentally considerate wastewater treatment for decades to come.

On the Front Lines: Responding to the Fenton Burst Water Main

Amidst these proactive and strategic endeavors, Severn Trent also faces the unpredictable reality of maintaining an extensive, aging network. A recent incident in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, highlighted the immediate, reactive side of water utility operations. On January 6, a burst water main at the City Road/Napier Street junction, near the Fenton Manor Sports Complex, created a hazardous situation, particularly as escaping water began to freeze over.

The incident prompted a swift response from local authorities, with Stoke-on-Trent City Council issuing a safety warning to drivers, urging extreme caution in the area. The council’s gritting team was deployed immediately to treat the affected roads, aiming to prevent accidents on the icy surfaces. A Severn Trent spokesperson acknowledged the disruption, stating, “Our teams have been out on site to investigate a burst pipe on Napier Street and will be working to fix the issue as soon as possible.” While the incident caused inconvenience, the company confirmed that all customers in the area remained on supply, although some might experience poorer pressure than normal. This rapid investigation and response underscore the critical role water companies play in maintaining essential services even when faced with unforeseen infrastructure failures.

The Evolving Landscape of Water Management

In 2026, Severn Trent Water exemplifies the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities of a major utility. Its simultaneous focus on empowering customers through educational campaigns, strategically investing in long-term infrastructure, and swiftly responding to operational emergencies paints a vivid picture of a company navigating a complex, ever-evolving landscape. The integration of environmental considerations into expansion plans, coupled with a proactive stance on public habit modification, suggests a forward-thinking approach, even as the realities of aging infrastructure demand constant vigilance and rapid intervention.