In 2007/08 we achieved our regulator Ofwat’s 12-month rolling leakage target of 465 megalitres per day, which equates to the economic level of leakage (ELL). The ELL is the level, approved by Ofwat, at which it would cost more to make further reductions in leakage than to extract water from other sources. This approach helps to ensure that the total cost of supplying water is minimised and that we are operating efficiently to provide best value for customers and to protect the environment.
The target for the year ahead is to maintain this level of performance. Further reductions in leakage will be required from 2010 onwards to maintain a healthy supply-demand balance. Last year we kept the amount of water lost to leakage from our network to 462 megalitres a day, so we hit our target of an average of 465 megalitres a day.
Our team of trained leakage detection staff and leakage analysts played a major role in helping us to do this. We have also developed a sophisticated leakage information system that receives and analyses water flow and pressure data from over 6,000 sites across the region. This assists in identifying areas where high leakage is occurring and directs our leak detection activities.
We continuously review new technologies and introduce them into the business as appropriate. For example, we have equipped our leakage detection resources with real-time leak reporting technology. This enables leaks and defects to be reported quicker and more accurately, without the need for excessive paperwork, and helps in reducing leak run-times.