15/06/09
Unison correctly points to regional differences in water bills but not the main reason they exist.
Water companies are very different from each other for the good reason that they have evolved as businesses serving very different catchments and communities.
In the water sector one size definitely does not fit all.
Each water company has produced a business plan for 2010-15 that will meet the priorities of its customers by taking into account the local geography, climate, population and economy, as well as the condition of the company’s water mains, sewers and treatment works.
All these factors mean that the path to more reliable services is different for each company. For example, all companies plan to help customers reduce demand by using water more efficiently, but some must also plan to develop new sources of water for the future perhaps by enlarging an existing reservoir or investigating the need for a new
reservoir in future.
Different actions are also needed to improve the environment. For example, continued work to improve bathing water quality is important for some companies.
Ends
For more information please contact:
Water UK Communication
020 7344 1809 (out of hours 07833 450544)
Note
In July Ofwat publishes draft price limits for 2010-15. Water companies submitted detailed business plans for the period in April this year.
Water UK Business Plan Briefing
