United Utilities hits leakage targets

A NEW report by water regulator Ofwat shows that Warrington-based United Utilities, which runs the North West’s water and sewerage services, was one of 15 water companies that hit their targets last year.

The company also achieved its supply targets despite being forced to impose a hosepipe ban in the summer following a dry spring.

Six companies failed on leaks with Yorkshire Water the worst performer, missing its target by 7.3%. The others that failed were: Veolia Central, Southern, Cambridge, Dee Valley and Northumbrian.

Ofwat conceded that the leakage failures occurred during the coldest winter for more than 30 years. All companies reported high numbers of burst pipes because of ground movement caused by freezes and thaws.

It said it had put in place monitoring arrangements for five of the companies that failed but it is still investigating Yorkshire Water’s leakage failure, and how the company reports leakage.

Ofwat’s Service and Delivery report also found the UK’s 21 water companies have made progress in other areas.

It said complaints have fallen to their lowest level for four years, drinking water quality is very high and all companies achieved supply targets.

“In general companies continue to deliver safe, reliable supplies, yet there are still areas for concern, including performance on managing leakage,” said Ofwat.

Leakage levels across the sector have fallen by more than a third since a peak in the mid-1990s said Ofwat.