Water firms’ debts since privatisation hit £54bn as Ofwat refuses to impose limits

The scale of debt taken on by the nine main water and sewerage companies in England is raising concerns about their financial stability. Composite: Guardian/Getty

Ofwat is refusing to limit the soaring debts run up by water companies as research reveals the firms have outstanding borrowing of almost £54bn accrued since privatisation.

Customers are paying on average £80 or 20% of their water bill towards servicing debt and rewarding shareholders, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).