Water supply

UU claims world’s largest smart leak detection network

United Utilities has beefed up its arsenal of leakage detection technology with 24,000 narrowband internet of things devices to locate leaks in real time as part of the company's £30 million plan to cut leakage by 20 per cent by 2025

Fletcher: Nature-based solutions should be default in PR24 plans

Thames names contractors to deliver £4bn investment

Thames has named the contract partners it will work with to deliver £4 billion of capital investment during AMP7 across London and the Thames Valley.

Affinity to share ‘breakthrough’ PCC tool

Affinity Water has said it will share a “pioneering” AI-driven system that predicts water consumption with the wider sector. The company says the technology can be used to monitor the impacts of weather events and unforeseen circumstances such as coronavirus on consumption in real time.

Yorkshire launches tariff for customers in debt

Under a new tariff Yorkshire Water will match billpayers' contributions to clear their debts, which the company said would equate to an average of £195 per eligible customer annually.

Scottish water regulator says bills must go up to futureproof systems

Scottish residents are set to see their water bills increase by an average £9 per year between 2021 and 2027 as the regulator insisted that investment was needed now to safeguard water quality, reliability and the 2040 net zero target.

Sustainability in a global pandemic: What role must water companies play?

Arthur Mitchell, engagement manager at PwC's Strategy& division, considers how water companies can support customers through this difficult time while balancing the sustainability impacts of increased consumption during lockdown.

Water ‘centre of excellence’ due in Spring

Meeting the challenges of climate change, over population and PR19 will take innovation and collaboration both within and beyond the water sector. To realise this, a water "centre of excellence" has been conceived and will be launched in the spring.

CMA locks horns with Ofwat on leakage

What next for water companies working with lower WACC?

Pollution incidents ‘worst since 2011’

Pollution incidents reported by water companies rose in 2019, with Southern, South West and Northumbrian named as the worst offenders, while Wessex, Severn Trent and United Utilities each scored well.

Yorkshire: This is still a tough settlement

Yorkshire Water has told Utility Week that notwithstanding the gains allowed by the CMA on its PR19 appeal, the regulatory settlement remains tough, particularly with the opex challenge and difficult ODIs to deliver.

Watchdogs warn CMA decision will affect more than water bills

Consumer watchdogs have welcomed the CMA's increased spending allowances for projects that were important to consumers but warned its overall stance could set a precedent for other regulated companies and add to the pressure on household finances.

Welsh Water, Portsmouth and Wessex top the first C-MeX chart

Ofwat: CMA’s allowed returns are too generous

Ofwat has expressed concern that in its PR19 provisional redeterminations, the CMA has set a rate of return that is lower than that requested by the appellant companies in their business plans. Senior director David Black told Utility Week this goes against the precedent of previous cases. Read his comments and reaction from across the industry.