Leakage targets met in England and Wales says Ofwat

Regina Finn: water companies need to build on their success in leakage reduction

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Water companies in England and Wales have all met or beaten their Ofwat-set leakage targets.

According to companies' annual returns for 2007-08, overall leakage fell by 127M litres per day (Ml/d) from 3,418 Ml/d in 2006-07 to 3,291 Ml/d in 2007/08; the equivalent of the daily needs of nearly 1M domestic consumers. At its peak in 1994-95, overall leakage was 5,110 Ml/d.

Ofwat Chief Executive Regina Finn said: "This is a positive picture, showing that the water sector can and is meeting the needs of consumers and the environment. This has been driven by the action we have taken in key areas like controlling leakage, asset management and improving customer services."

This was also a good year for sewage. The number of treatment works seriously breaching permit limits set to protect the environment fell from 152 in 2006-07 to 107 in 2007-08; the lowest number in the last 10 years.

The number of serious sewage-related pollution incidents also fell year-on-year from 115 to 83 in 2007-08; 20% of levels 12 years ago
Most companies have also reduced the number of properties at risk of sewer flooding. In mitigation however, OFWAT said that the returns showed that the number of sewer-flooding incidents increased because of last year's severe weather.

Finn also stressed the need for water companies to build on the standards currently being set. "Now it is important that companies maintain this progress, and raise their game even more. Rising consumer expectations, the impact of climate change, and the demands of a growing population will all provide new challenges. We will expect the sector to meet these challenges while continuing to deliver high-quality, good value services to consumers," she said.