Estonia

In January 2001, United Utilities was awarded a 15 year contract to manage water and wastewater services for the Estonian capital, Tallinn, serving over 400,000 people. This is the only country in Eastern Europe to attain EU compliance for its operations.

Together with our partners, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), we own 50.4% of the shares in the water company AS Tallinna Vesi (ASTV). The remaining shares are retained by the city of Tallinn. United Utilities and the EBRD also own the company's assets.

In June 2005, Tallinna Vesi was successfully listed on the Estonia Stock Exchange through an Initial Public Offering. United Utilities participated in this process by placing part of its total shareholding in the business, reducing our joint stake held with the EBRD to 35.3 per cent.

ASTV is the largest provider of water and wastewater services in Estonia, providing services to over 400,000 people. These activities include water production, wastewater treatment and the operation of 900 km of water distribution network, over 1,000 km of sewerage network and 160 km of storm water networks.

ASTV supplies 30,000 megalitres (ml) of water a year, of which 90% is produced from surface water and 10% ground water. Surface water is treated at a multi-stage water treatment plant at Ulemiste. The company also owns and operates a single modern wastewater treatment plant located at Paljassaare peninsula. The plant has a capacity of 350 ml per day, with an average daily flow of 130 ml.