Thames Water beats leakage target

Thames Water has beaten its leakage target for the second consecutive year, saving over 100 million litres of water every day.

Ofwat confirmed today that Thames has outperformed its 2007/08 target of 755Ml/d, with leakage now at 715Ml/d.

Thames Water's Chief Executive, David Owens, said:

"These figures demonstrate that our massive programme of replacing London's worn out Victorian water mains is having real results. We're now saving over 100 million litres of water every day from leakage reduction activities, enough to supply more than 600,000 people.

"This is the second year running we've met and exceeded our leakage target and while we're obviously delighted, but there's still much more to do. So far we've replaced nearly 900 miles of the oldest and leakiest water mains and we're aiming to replace hundreds more. It's what our customers have told us they want and although the work does involve disruption in the short term, it is going to mean less burst water mains in the future, and ultimately, less roadworks."

Reducing leakage remains Thames Water's biggest priority. Over half a million pounds is spent every day on bringing levels down and by 2010 total investment will be £1.5 billion.

The leakage target is agreed with Ofwat, the economic regulator of water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.