Water UK has described the industry’s plans to deal with water shortages as “robust”, after Ofwat called for “clear improvements” in ensuring greater resilience against drought.
Commenting on water companies’ draft Water Resource Management Plans, the regulator said they could make better use of opportunities to trade water, reduce water consumption and cut leakage in the long term.
It also found some must do more to engage with customers and third parties about planning and said the quality of some of the draft plans and supporting evidence “fell short”.
David Black, Senior Director Water 2020 said: “We are disappointed that water companies’ draft water resources plans fell short of our expectations given the challenge to the sector for ambitious action to improve resilience.
“There are examples of good practice in a number of plans, but more can be done to deliver a robust twin-track approach and look harder across company boundaries to develop regional solutions and outcomes”
On behalf of the sector, Water UK said that making sure customers have access to safe, healthy water was at the heart of what the industry does.
“Water companies have robust plans in place to deal with shortages, and many have joined up on a regional basis to increase the sharing of resources and expertise.
“In addition, water companies have reduced leaks by a third since the mid-90s, and plans will be published in the autumn which set out how leakage will be cut even further.”
Ofwat’s comments did, however, highlight some examples of good practice – such as ambitious proposals to cut leakage in the short term by using satellite imagery and smart meters to locate customer supply pipe leakage.