CC Water calls on industry to up game on compensation as seven firms lead the way

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has commended seven water companies for upping their compensation for losses water supply – and called on the rest of the industry to follow suit.

The commented companies, said CC Water, have adopted Ofwat recommendations and increased the money given to householders whose supplies are disrupted for 12 hours or longer. CC Water said while some water companies already go beyond the statutory compensation payment levels, none had previously gone as far as Ofwat’s recommendations.

The seven commended companies are Wessex Water, South West Water (including Bournemouth Water), South East Water, SES Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water. Severn Trent Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy are set to join them next month

Their customers will receive £30 for every 12-hour period they are cut off – up from £20 for the initial period and £10 for every subsequent 24 hours without water. Households will also be guaranteed the same level of compensation even if the disruption is caused by a burst strategic main pipe.