10 August 2007
Latest leakage figures for the UK's water industry have fallen by 160 million litres per day, but Severn Trent still remains the worst supplier nationwide for controlling water wastage.
According to figures from water regulator Ofwat, although leakage rates across the country have fallen, many water companies are still failing to stem the flow of leakage from water pipes, which now runs into 3.4 billion litres per day.
Furthermore, while Severn Trent is the provider with the poorest leakage rates, missing its targets by over eight million litres per day, its customers will only be given a £4 reduction in their bills next year.
"While we have seen water losses stemmed by 160 million litres a day -- and this is a step in the right direction - it has to be remembered that this is merely a drop in the ocean when compared to the ongoing daily leakage from the UK's antiquated water systems," Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com said.
"Last summer's droughts and this year's floods have emphasised what a precarious state the water industry is in. The fact that the UK is still losing 3.4 billion litres of water each and every day indicates that there is no room for complacency." And Ms Robinson called for the industry to "shake off its poor track record, roll up its sleeves and seriously get to work".
"In the meantime, despite the current over abundance of water and the willful wastage of suppliers, households still need to treat water as a precious commodity and seek to preserve it. Water efficiency must remain high on the consumer agenda," she asserted.
According to figures from uSwitch, customers could save themselves £125 per year on their water bills just by switching to a water meter.
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