21 November 2008
Ofwat has announced that from 2010, water companies will be forced to help their consumers save up to 40% more water.
The move follows what the regulator describes as a "lacklustre" performance by some suppliers in terms of reducing consumption, the Press Association reports.
Companies will be required to promote water saving devices and provide more information to consumers about how they can use less water.
Ofwat said suppliers will not be allowed to charge their customers more in order to meet their objectives and insisted targets in leakage will still apply.
"Some companies need to do more to help customers cut waste and use water efficiently," said Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn. "This is good customer service and helps customers on meters control their bills."
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that a government review is underway to examine the possibility of opening up the water market to competition.
This could pave the way for companies such as supermarkets to sell water to households in the same way that some currently sell gas and electricity.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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