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The amount of water lost from the supply networks of water companies in England and Wales remained stable in 2003-04, according to new figures published today by Ofwat. Leakage data from the water companies shows that:
After reviewing the reports of Three Valleys and United Utilities, including those of the independent Reporters, Ofwat is reassured that both companies will improve and meet their economic leakage targets. Ofwat will require them to provide extra progress reports to allow closer monitoring of their leakage control work. Leakage has now stabilised at Thames. The company is going to carry out even more repair work to reduce its leakage, with 60 per cent more repairs this year than last. Ofwat is continuing to work with the company to ensure that Thames' performance is brought into line with the rest of the industry. The targets set for the company are designed to help it achieve this objective as quickly as possible. Ofwat will respond to Thames' plans for a big programme to replace water mains in its proposals for future price limits, to be announced on 5 August 2004. Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, said: "I am pleased that once again most companies are maintaining leakage at its economic level. This means that the cost to both customers and the environment is being minimised over the long term. "I am disappointed that Thames has not been able to meet its leakage target in 2003-04. But in light of the regular reports we are receiving from the company I am satisfied that it is making progress to improve its leakage position. The company has halted recent rises in leakage and is stepping up its work to repair leaks. I expect to see real reductions in its leakage levels in 2004-05." Following an investigation into Severn Trent's leakage estimate, Ofwat is satisfied that the company now has a robust and audited set of data and has started to reduce its leakage towards economic levels. Notes to Editors: 1. The Director General of Water Services is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales. He exercises his powers in a way that he judges will allow them to carry out their functions properly, and finance them. 2. Ml/d = Megalitres per day. A megalitre is the equivalent of one million litres. It would take 2.5 megalitres of water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. 3. Economic levels of Leakage – the level of leakage at which it would cost more to make further reductions than to produce the water from another source (this includes environmental and social costs). 4. A number of companies have reported leakage figures for 2003-04 using Census 2001 population data for the first time. If the 2002-03 leakage figures were calculated using the same population data as for 2003-04 then leakage in those years would be estimated at a higher level and reveal a stable trend over the two years. This affects particularly the figures for Anglian Water and Northumbrian Water and the total industry figure. 5. The action plan agreed with Thames Water is set out in appendix 4 of Ofwat's report, "Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water 2002-03, published last October. This is available on Ofwat website's on www.ofwat.gov.uk or from the Ofwat library on 0121 625 1373. 6. The Reporters are independent professionals appointed by the company with Ofwat's approval. They have a primary duty of care to the Director General of Water Services. They scrutinise the company's business and report to the Director General on the reliability and accuracy of company information and any concerns they have. 7. A table of leakage data for 2003-04 by individual water company is attached. MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO OFWAT PRESS OFFICE ON: 0121 625 1416/1496/1442 Out of hours enquiries to pager: 08700 555 500 water 503/509. Ofwat publications and press notices can be found on Ofwat's website at: www.ofwat.gov.uk
(1) For presentational purposes the following rules have been followed. Figures less than 20Ml/d are given to 1 decimal place; less than 100Ml/d are given to 0 decimal places; and greater than 100Ml/d are rounded to the nearest 5Ml/d. (2) A number of companies have reported leakage figures for 2003-04 using Census 2001 population data for the first time. If the 2002-03 leakage figures were calculated using the same population data as for 2003-04 then leakage in those years would be estimated at a higher level and reveal a stable trend over the two years. This affects particularly the figures for Anglian Water and Northumbrian Water and the total industry figure.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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