3 July 2007
Thames Water customers are set to benefit from news that the supplier has taken significant steps forward in improving the number of leaky pipes in its area.
An intensive project of pipe replacement, with more than 400 miles of old and leaky water mains pipes in London alone, has meant the UK's largest water supplier has now achieved its leakage target for this year.
The news follows criticism of the supplier last year by water watchdog Ofwat last year, which revealed Thames Water's poor performance in leakage.
An enforcement action on the regional supplier ordered it to replace over 350 kilometres of ageing pipes to meet demanding leakage targets up to 2010.
David Bland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water Thames, said: "Customers are paying more for their water with above inflation price rises. Therefore it is gratifying to learn that they will see a return on this in the form of reduced leakage.
"However, this is the first step in reclaiming customer confidence on this issue. There is still plenty of work to be done, and we hope the company continues to hit its leakage targets year on year."
Echoing these remarks, Ofwat said: "This result, following on from Ofwat's enforcement action against Thames Water last year, is good news for water consumers. It contributes to reducing the risk of future water supply problems in the capital and shows that Ofwat's consumer-focused approach is working.
"Although the company is now well on track to meeting Ofwat's regulatory targets, there is a still a lot of work to be done. Thames Water cannot afford to be complacent. Ofwat will continue to monitor closely the company's future performance."
The supplier has also promised more money will be added to their Customer Assistance Fund, helping customers in financial difficulty to reduce debt on their water bills.
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