21 January 2010
A record £3.6 billion is set to be spent on upgrading the North West's water and wastewater systems over the next five years.
United Utilities has today confirmed the massive investment programme between 2010 and 2015, which will bring major improvements for customers and ensure the region meets the latest environmental targets and drinking water legislation.
Despite the record spend - £400 million more than the last five years - by 2015 the average customer's bill will have fallen by £9 compared to today's prices.*
"This is good news for our customers and good news for the region," said Philip Green, CEO of United Utilities. "Our customers will see their bills fall but, at the same time, we'll be delivering record levels of investment - supporting the regional economy and protecting a vital service for 7 million people in the North West. We're achieving this challenge by making operational efficiencies and helping our customers save water, all of which helps to keep costs down."
Every five years the UK's water companies have to submit their future plans for approval by the water regulator, Ofwat. The plan, confirmed by Ofwat in November last year, was rubber-stamped by the United Utilities Board today.
Before preparing the plan, United Utilities researched the views of 2,000 domestic, and 500 business customers to identify areas of concern and help ensure a service which meets expectations.
The £3.6 billion investment plan includes:
Maintenance and upgrading of plant and pipework -
Wastewater treatment works will be upgraded and the network of pumping stations will be improved to reduce the risk of pollution of watercourses. Sewers will be upgraded to cut flooding caused by sewer collapses or blockages.
Saving water -
Around 232,000 more customers will be encouraged to save money by opting for a water meter - helping save more than 6 million litres of water a day.
Securing water supplies -
In response to the challenges of climate change, a major new pipeline between Liverpool and Bury, known as the West-East link main, will be completed to transfer water across the region and new groundwater sources will be developed. Vital assets such as key water treatment works will be protected against natural disasters like flooding.
Improving drinking water -
Water treatment works will be enhanced and the current programme of cleaning large water mains will continue.
Improving the water environment -
Storm overflows will be upgraded, reducing the number of discharges into coastal and inland waterways and improving the quality of life in local communities.
Carbon reduction and innovation -
There will be further development of combined heat and power engines to harvest the methane gas given off by sewage sludge, and further technological research to identify other ways of producing energy from sludge. Radical new ways to care for land in our countryside will be extended, producing major environmental benefits such as boosting water availability, restoring and protecting wildlife habitats and reducing flooding risks. It is also hoped this work will aid the ability of peat moorland to hold carbon, providing another climate change benefit.
- Ends -
*The average customer's annual bill will fall by £9 (to £364) between 2010 and 2015, calculated before inflation.