UK water firms face big fines over sewage: regulator

London:A UK regulator on Tuesday said it proposed to fine three of England s biggest water suppliers a combined 168 million ($214 million) for failur...

London: A UK regulator on Tuesday said it proposed to fine three of England's biggest water suppliers a combined £168 million ($214 million) for failure over sewage management.

Ofwat said Thames Water, Britain's biggest supplier and which is struggling to stay afloat financially, could be fined the largest amount at £104 million.

The regulator's decision comes as Britain's water industry faces huge scrutiny, including from the new Labour government and environmentalists, over the pollution of rivers and other waterways.

"Ofwat has today proposed that three water companies will be fined a total of £168 million for failing to manage their wastewater treatment works and networks, as part of the first batch of outcomes from its biggest ever investigation," a statement said.

Yorkshire Water could be fined £47 million and Northumbrian Water £17 million, it added.