Thames Water attempt to control leakages.
Hammersmith residents face having their water supply cut in a bid to limit major leakages across London. Thames Water wants to reduce water pressure to minimise the leaks.
The company is now facing strong opposition from London councils after the proposals emerged to cut water pressure to thousands of homes and businesses. Reductions are planned in eight boroughs: Hammersmith and Fulham, Croydon, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of London.
A trial has already begun in the Woodford area, affecting homes in Waltham Forest, Newham, Enfield and Haringey.
The company has decided to act after leaking 925million litres a day - equivalent to 266 litres per customer, leading to an increased pressure from the Office of Water Services (Ofwat), the economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales.
Thames Water blames high pressures for causing leaks and bursts.
The report Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water 2002-2003, published by Ofwat, points out:
- For most companies progress against leakage targets has been in line with expectations. The two exceptions are Thames Water and Severn Trent Water. Leakage has risen again in Thames Water.
- Thames Water’s low banding reflects its need to enhance security of supply in London and its poor performance in leakage control. The company has not delivered the expected substantial improvements to security of supply for customers.
- Subject to events over the winter, we believe 2002-03 will be the last year of leakage rises at Thames Water and are content with the progress being made in line with the action plan set out in the 2001-02 edition of this report. Progress at the company and the development of the action plan are discussed in more detail on page 29 in chapter 3.
In February this year. Ofwat has received new commitments from Thames Water that it will step up work on repairing leaks. In a letter to Ofwat, the company has promised to:
- Keep the backlog of repairs to customer-reported leaks at or below 800 jobs; and
- Carry out 37,500 repairs to company-detected hidden leaks during 2004.
These commitments will mean 60 per cent more repairs will be carried out in 2004 than were carried out last year.
September 5, 2004
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| Ofwat Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water 2002-2003 (pdf) Thames Water Water Voice (represents water customers in England and Wales) |
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