11 August 2008 (updated 15/09/2008)

Local Water Company Plans Ahead

Building a new reservoir and replacing 30 km of water mains that bring vital supplies of tap water to people living in the Tendring Hundred area are just two of the plans that local water company Tendring Hundred Water Services has highlighted in its 2015 draft business plan submitted to industry regulator OFWAT today.

“Ensuring we get the right level of investment over the next five years is essential for us to continue to provide a safe reliable supply of good quality tap water to our customers” said Nevil Muncaster, Managing Director. 

“In order to do this bills will rise on average 2.9% above the rate of inflation between 2010 and 2015. This represents a price rise of about £10 per year including inflation. However, our bills have fallen in the last five years and this means in real terms, ignoring inflation, our customers will actually be paying the same in 2015 as they did in 2005.”

“By 2015, nine out of ten of our customers will have a water meter fitted. This is the fairest way to pay, and it will allow our customers to manage their water bills. We know that a price increase will concern a number of people who already struggle to pay household bills, but we are enhancing our services to help anyone who is having difficulty with this.”

The key elements of what the company plans to do between 2010-2015 include:

• Replacing 30 km of old water mains to reduce the disruption to the community caused by burst mains and leaks.
• Installing 12,000 meters so that customers are better able to manage their bills
• A new treated water reservoir will provide increased security of supply for about 12,000 people in Dovercourt

In addition we will also:

• Keep customers better informed about street works to reduce disruption
• Improve information on water efficiency, billing and usage so customers can reduce their bills
• Help vulnerable customers and high volume consumers through our water efficiency technical service
• Work with local schools to teach children about water efficiency and the environment in line with the national curriculum.

Draft Business Plan Summary (PDF 68KB)

Draft Business Plan Strategy (PDF 1.38MB)

Tendring Hundred Water will submit its Final Plan in April 2009 and the exact amount that the Company will be permitted to raise prices will be determined by the economic regulator, Ofwat, in November 2009.

Ends

Note to editors:

All water and sewage companies in the UK are required to submit business plans to OFWAT on a five year cycle. These  draft business plans will be reviewed by OFWAT, so that they can understand the actions and investment the companies believe are required. Ofwat will then undertake a consultation process, in association with the Environment Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Defra, and other bodies prior to responding. The final outcome of this process will be known in early 2010.