United Utilities has a 33% shareholding in Aqua SA, the water and wastewater company for the city of Bielsko Biala and surrounding municipalities in southern Poland.
This is a strategic partnership with the local municipal authority under which we provide technical and commercial expertise. The contract was awarded in November 1999 for 12 years.
Bielsko-Biala, with an estimated population of 200,000, is one of the largest cities in southern Poland. Aqua's total service area includes 12 neighbouring municipalities, giving a total population served of more than 300,000.
Aqua is engaged in a capital investment programme, partly funded through a World Bank loan, aimed at upgrading its facilities and installing improved management systems. The utility is recognised as one of the best run and most efficient in Poland.