Menu
14/07/2005
Water firms missing leakage reduction targets
Two English water companies have missed targets to reduce leakage, industry watchdog Ofwat has warned.
United Utilities Water, in the north west of England, reported increased leakage and missed its target by 30 megalitres per day (Ml/d), for the third year running. Thames Waters also missed its leakage target by 10Ml/d, although the company managed to reduce total leakage for the first time in four years by 30 Ml/d – over 3% of its total leakage.
Ofwat said that leakage was still “unacceptably high” in London, with 915 megalitres per day being lost. The watchdog has now set Thames Water a target of reducing this to a cost effective level of 725 Ml/d by 2009-10.
Thames Water is already carrying out 60% more repairs than two years and has also started work on a major upgrade of the water distribution network in London. The upgrade will involve replacing more than 1,200 km of water mains over the next five years at an estimated cost of nearly £500 million.
Ofwat said that it had also approved an action plan put forward by United Utilities, which is expected to reduce leakage in line with the regulator’s targets.
The regulator now has the power to fine any companies who do not meet their leakage targets.
Overall, Ofwat found that total leakage in the water industry fell by 41 Ml/d to 3,609 and said that the amount of water saved is enough to supply more than 100,000 households. The regulator also said that almost all water companies were meeting their leakage targets.
Commenting on the new figures, Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, said that Ofwat would be closely monitoring both Thames Water and United Utilities to ensure they improved and met their leakage targets.
Mr Fletcher said: “The current water restrictions in the south east, resulting from the exceptionally dry weather, have brought leakage into sharper focus. Although the water restrictions are not caused by high leakage – leakage for most of the companies affected so far is among the lowest in the country – every litre saved, whether by reducing leakage or by customers using water wisely will help to prevent the situation worsening.”
Industry body Water UK said that there was a limit to what could be achieved by finding and fixing leaks and that a comprehensive programme of mains repair or renewal was need.
Water UK said that the industry was beginning a widescale programme of wholesale mains replacement that would bring a further reduction of £300 million litres per day – enough for the daily needs of 2 million people by 2010.
(KMcA/GB)
United Utilities Water, in the north west of England, reported increased leakage and missed its target by 30 megalitres per day (Ml/d), for the third year running. Thames Waters also missed its leakage target by 10Ml/d, although the company managed to reduce total leakage for the first time in four years by 30 Ml/d – over 3% of its total leakage.
Ofwat said that leakage was still “unacceptably high” in London, with 915 megalitres per day being lost. The watchdog has now set Thames Water a target of reducing this to a cost effective level of 725 Ml/d by 2009-10.
Thames Water is already carrying out 60% more repairs than two years and has also started work on a major upgrade of the water distribution network in London. The upgrade will involve replacing more than 1,200 km of water mains over the next five years at an estimated cost of nearly £500 million.
Ofwat said that it had also approved an action plan put forward by United Utilities, which is expected to reduce leakage in line with the regulator’s targets.
The regulator now has the power to fine any companies who do not meet their leakage targets.
Overall, Ofwat found that total leakage in the water industry fell by 41 Ml/d to 3,609 and said that the amount of water saved is enough to supply more than 100,000 households. The regulator also said that almost all water companies were meeting their leakage targets.
Commenting on the new figures, Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, said that Ofwat would be closely monitoring both Thames Water and United Utilities to ensure they improved and met their leakage targets.
Mr Fletcher said: “The current water restrictions in the south east, resulting from the exceptionally dry weather, have brought leakage into sharper focus. Although the water restrictions are not caused by high leakage – leakage for most of the companies affected so far is among the lowest in the country – every litre saved, whether by reducing leakage or by customers using water wisely will help to prevent the situation worsening.”
Industry body Water UK said that there was a limit to what could be achieved by finding and fixing leaks and that a comprehensive programme of mains repair or renewal was need.
Water UK said that the industry was beginning a widescale programme of wholesale mains replacement that would bring a further reduction of £300 million litres per day – enough for the daily needs of 2 million people by 2010.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2006
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
08 May 2012
Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
13 March 2006
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
04 July 2006
No leakage fine for Thames Water
Thames Water has escaped being fined by regulator Ofwat for failing to meet its targets on leakage reduction. However, Ofwat has ordered the firm to invest a further £150 million in order to reduce leaks. Thames Water had been facing the prospect of being fined £140 million. The news is likely to lead to criticism of Thames Water.
No leakage fine for Thames Water
Thames Water has escaped being fined by regulator Ofwat for failing to meet its targets on leakage reduction. However, Ofwat has ordered the firm to invest a further £150 million in order to reduce leaks. Thames Water had been facing the prospect of being fined £140 million. The news is likely to lead to criticism of Thames Water.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
