Ofwat proposes "crackdown" on leakage

Ofwat is gearing up to tighten its squeeze on leakage, challenging water companies to save up to 170 billion litres of water a year.

The proposed "crackdown" which is currently under consultation, is among measures for water companies to hit in PR19.

The regulator is calling on the companies to go much further in their efforts to curb leakage and set ambitious commitments with their customers. To achieve these goals, Ofwat said, companies will need to find new ways of detecting and reducing leaks and must ensure that their infrastructure is kept up to scratch.

Ofwat senior director David Black said: “Given the costs involved in treating water, these leaking pipes are money down the drain. Customers feel strongly about stopping leaks and while the sector has made progress, there is a lot more companies could and should do.”