Water UK

Sustainability Indicators 2006-07 (report)

15/11/07

Full report (pdf)

The annual water industry sustainability indicator show how the water industry is moving towards sustainability in carrying out its functions and fulfilling its responsibilities to customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers and contractors, neighbours, the community and the environment. The report is a self-appraisal, measuring shortfalls as well as achievements – but with a strong industry commitment to sustainability.

Each year the report measures a number of key areas across the UK water industry to gain an idea of how the industry is performing. These areas include energy and climate change; sustainable consumption and production; protecting natural resources and protecting the environment; and serving customers.

Highlights from the 2006-07 report include a reduction in the industry’s overall leakage levels. Progress has also been made on resource use, with the more efficient use of chemicals used to treat water and sewage and more material diverted from landfill. There has also been an increase in onsite renewable energy produced by water companies and a reduction in the number of properties with low supply pressure.

However, the amount of energy used and greenhouse gases emitted continues to increase. Sludge re-use has fallen and the number of properties with interruptions to supply has increased.

According to the 2006-07 indicators, progress in key categories includes:
 • 22 indicators are moving in a positive direction
 • 20 are moving in an adverse direction
 • 8 have demonstrated no change
 • 13 do not lend themselves to trend analysis
 • 8 do not have a suitable coverage of data to represent the industry as a whole.

For more information contact:
Bruce Horton, Policy Development Adviser
020 7344 1817
Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication
020 7344 1804

Full report (pdf)