13 August 2007
UK water companies must work harder to improve their performance and give the best deal possible to customers, Ofwat has claimed.
According to the water watchdog, investment in improvement schemes still falls short of targets, despite the water industry having invested over £4.3 billion into improving existing infrastructure and adding new facilities.
Indeed, Ofwat singles out Severn Trent Water, Southern Water and South East Water as companies identified as being poor performers.
A recent report found Severn Trent to be top of the water leakage table, while Southern Water falls short with regard to its sewage treatment improvements.
Meanwhile, South East Water has been identified as providing poor customer service, however Ofwat maintains that all three could do more to improve billing systems, delays in responding to and resolving complaints and telephone systems.
Ofwat Chief Executive Regina Finn said: "While the water industry generally continues to meet its customers' needs, there is certainly no cause for complacency. And there are some companies where we have several key concerns.
"Severn Trent Water and Southern Water must work harder to ensure their assets continue to be fit for purpose. Customers deserve high quality standards of service and we have put pressure on companies to improve in this area.
"Southern Water and Severn Trent Water have provided us with action plans of how they will improve customer services and South East Water is also taking steps to remedy its failings.
"We will be monitoring the progress of all companies very closely and making sure they do deliver for their customers," she added.
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