Water companies enforcing hosepipe bans leak over one billion litres of water a day
Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Southern Water and South East Water have been criticised for enforcing the bans in the wake of water shortages while leaking massive amounts of water every day.
The 1.031 billion litres of water leaked daily in 2024/25 was enough to fill 400 Olympic swimming pools, the figures from the companies' recent annual performance reports show.
Bringing attention to the issue, the Liberal Democrats called it a 'scandal,' especially in light of the 'eye-watering' salary and bonuses given to water bosses despite ongoing sector-wide issues.
They pointed to the chief executive of Southern Water Lawrence Gosden's pay package rising to £975k in 2024/25, an increase of 35 per cent.
Of all the water companies operating in the UK, Thames Water leaked the most in 2024/25, at 569.1 mega litres a day (ML/d). This was down slightly from 570.4 ML/d, but still keeps the London water supplier in the top spot.
According to most recent figures, Yorkshire water is leaking 260.2 ML/d, Southern Water 97.7 and South East Water 104.8.
Recent analysis by The Independent found that no household has been fined for breaking hosepipe bans over the last five years, calling into question how seriously water companies are taking water-saving measures.
Regulator Ofwat says that around a fifth of water running through pipes is still lost to leakage, although this amount has been cut by 41 per cent since 1989, when water companies were privatised.
Officially, leakage is water that companies cannot account for; it has entered their systems but not been delivered to homes or businesses used in their operations.
It can be driven by factors like the condition of pipes or companies' operational strategies, such as how they manage water pressure.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: 'It is an absolute scandal that families are being told to limit their water use this summer, while these failing water firms are letting over a billion litres a day go to waste through leaky pipes.'
A Thames Water spokesperson said: 'Leakage is at its lowest ever level on our network, down 13.2% since 2020, but we know we have more work to do. The extended warm weather also brings increased risks of leaks and bursts due to pipe stress and shifting foundations in the ground.'
A Southern Water spokesperson said: 'Last year, we reduced leakage by almost 20% and are seeking the same cut this year, saving 17 million litres more water every day - enough to serve 35,000 customers.'
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: "We understand how frustrating leaks are for our customers and would like to assure them that reducing leakage on our networks is a priority for us. Leakage is the lowest it has ever been in Yorkshire, and it's something that we work on all year round.'
A Water UK spokesperson said:'Water companies are doing everything they can to prevent further restrictions. Leakage is currently at the lowest level on record, with reductions every year since 2020, and will be cut by a further 17% by 2030.
'However, after one of the driest springs on record, recent heatwaves and more dry weather forecast, we're asking everyone to use water wisely and cut back where they can.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
29 minutes ago
- Times
Regulators warn firms over car finance compensation claims
Consumers caught up in the motor finance scandal risk losing up to 30 per cent of redress by signing up to paid services they do not need, regulators have warned. In an intervention ahead of a major Supreme Court ruling on Friday, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority, which have become increasingly concerned, have warned law firms and claims management companies over poor practices in commission claims. The FCA has already required 224 promotions to be amended or withdrawn over the past year and the SRA has 89 investigations into 73 law firms over potential breaches of its rules relating to high-volume claims. • Rachel Reeves may overrule Supreme Court over car finance scandal The prospect of the motor finance industry being forced to pay out tens of billions of pounds in compensation to borrowers has led claims firms to gear up for a bonanza and hit the share price of some London-listed lenders. The FCA will confirm within six weeks of Friday's Supreme Court judgment whether it will propose to introduce a redress scheme for motor finance customers. The judgment follows a review of a landmark ruling in October by the Court of Appeal, which concluded that any type of commission that was not properly disclosed to a borrower was unlawful. The regulators said they expect law firms and claims management companies to inform clients of any redress scheme, or where there is a 'realistic prospect' of one being introduced, which would allow customers to instead pursue a claim independently and free of charge. They must also alert them to charges if they do use a firm and must be clear on exit fees. The regulators are concerned about the 'volume and accuracy' of marketing materials, a failure to advise consumers about free alternatives, and 'inaccurate or misleading' information on the likelihood of success or payouts. Sheree Howard, executive director at the FCA, said: 'We've seen law firms and CMCs [claims management companies] advertising highly speculative figures, so we are warning them of our expectations when it comes to drumming up clients for motor finance commission claims … If we introduce a redress scheme for motor finance, we will aim to make it easy for people to take part.' Paul Philip, chief executive of the SRA, said: 'Where we find cases where firms are not acting in the best interest of their clients, we will investigate and take action.'
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
These are the most affordable market towns for first-home buyers
Market towns, often sought after for their charm, convenience, and strong community spirit, are proving increasingly costly for first-time buyers, with average property prices now reaching £280,582. Across England and Wales, the typical amount paid by first-time buyers for a home in these desirable locations has climbed by 2 per cent annually and a significant 26 per cent since 2020, according to Lloyds, which used data from Halifax. Leek in Staffordshire has been identified as the most affordable market town for first-time buyers in the study, with an average property price of £191,359. Six of the ten most affordable market towns for first-time buyers are located across the Midlands. Conversely, Hitchin in Hertfordshire, with its commuting links to London, stands as the most expensive, commanding an average of £410,366. For all buyers, the average house price in market towns reached £363,456, marking a 5 per cent increase over the past year and a 24 per cent rise in the last five years. The research tracked house prices across 116 market towns. Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire was identified by Lloyds as the most expensive market town for all buyer types, with an average price of £839,468. Nearby Chesham and Amersham were identified in a separate study by L&G this week as Britain 's best places to retire. Andrew Asaam, homes director, Lloyds, said: 'That 'best of both worlds' feeling has led to house prices in these areas holding up. In fact, the priciest market towns are amongst the most expensive locations, outside of Greater London, to settle into a home. 'It's worth looking beyond the most popular spots as some market towns are great value for money while offering the farmers' markets, independent shops and community spirit that make these historic places so appealing.' The report quoted Amy Flynn, 26, who got onto the property ladder in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. She said: 'When looking to buy our first home, location was very important to us. We chose Bromsgrove, a market town, primarily for its connectivity, allowing us to easily commute to work and visit family and friends. 'Beyond logistics, we were drawn to the town's atmosphere. It has plenty of supermarkets, coffee shops, parks, pubs, gyms, barbers, nail salons and lots of charity shops to browse – everything a young couple could need.' She added: 'Being within walking distance of everything we need means we don't need to spend as much money on petrol or delivery, helping us to save those extra pennies which are very important when navigating bills and expenses for the first time. 'Choosing Bromsgrove means we can still enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while managing the financial responsibilities of buying our first home.' Here are the least expensive market towns according to Lloyds, with the average first-time buyer house price in the 12 months to May 2025: Leek, West Midlands, £191,359 Chesterfield, East Midlands, £198,054 Northallerton, Yorkshire and the Humber, £201,628 Selby, Yorkshire and the Humber, £202,092 Driffield, Yorkshire and the Humber, £203,160 Boston, East Midlands, £211,404 Buxton, East Midlands, £224,896 Newport, South Wales, £227,784 Sleaford, East Midlands, £229,197 Grantham, East Midlands, £230,464 Here are the most expensive market towns for first-time buyers, according to Lloyds: Hitchin, East of England, £410,366 Altrincham, North West, £404,864 West Malling, South East, £396,925 Hertford, East of England, £392,310 Saffron Walden, East of England, £363,960 Wimborne, South West, £361,591 Market Harborough, East Midlands, £353,250 Chipping Norton, South East, £353,077 Didcot, South East, £352,919 Thatcham, South East, £349,602 And here are the market towns with the biggest house price increases between 2020 and 2025 in the study, across all buyer types. Figures show the average house price in the 12 months to May 2025 and the percentage increase over the five years:
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Billionaire hotel tycoon reveals Heathrow Airport expansion bid with ‘shorter' third runway
A potential Heathrow Airport expansion could see a third runway added, but much shorter than previous proposals. Hotel tycoon Surinder Arora has published the plan which rivals a proposal from the airport's owners. The billionaire's Arora Group said the 'primary benefit' of the plan it submitted to the government is a shorter new runway which would avoid the costly and disruptive need to divert the M25 motorway. Building a 2,800-metre third runway instead of the full-length 3,500-metre runway planned by the airport would result in 'reduced risk' and avoid 'spiralling cost', the company said. A shorter runway could have limits on its use, although Arora Group insisted it would be able to accommodate aircraft of all sizes. Arora Group's Heathrow West proposal states the new runway could be fully operational by 2035, while a new terminal would open in two phases, in 2036 and 2040. The plan, developed with infrastructure company Bechtel, has a cost estimate of under £25 billion, not including the redevelopment of the airport's existing central area. Mr Arora, who is one of the largest landowners at Heathrow, said: 'After a decade working with our world-leading design and delivery team, I am very proud that the Arora Group can finally unveil to the UK government our Heathrow West proposal, which directly meets and supports the United Kingdom's primary objective of unlocking economic growth at the UK's only hub airport, with a strong commitment of doing so on-budget and on-time. 'The Arora Group has a proven track record of delivering on-time and on-budget projects including in and around Heathrow airport. 'We are delighted that the government has taken a common-sense approach to invite proposals from all interested parties for the very first time rather than granting exclusivity to the current airport operator, no matter its track record.' Mr Arora has repeatedly accused the airport of wasting money. In December 2024, French company Ardian completed a deal to become Heathrow's largest shareholder with a 23% stake, while Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund purchased a 15% share. Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her backing for a third runway in a speech on growth in January. Heathrow will submit its own expansion plan to the government on Thursday. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will then review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision-making on any Development Consent Order application. Heathrow is understood to be open to a discussion with airlines about building a shorter runway if it can deliver the same benefits. The airport declined to comment on the Arora Group's proposal.
