Water firms' service goes down the drain

Article Abstract:

Almost 50% of the 1,000 people quizzed in a Consumers' Association Which? report released on 4 June 1998 felt that UK water firms have not improved their service over the past few years. Around 60% of those surveyed felt that the privatised firms were offering poorer value for money compared with 1993. Water firms have come under fire previously for giving large dividends to shareholders rather than investing in service enhancements and allied to this, 70% of respondents felt that shareholders have gained more from privatisation in 1989 than water users. South West Water customers were the unhappiest, with specific concerns over value for money and the service as a whole. Almost 33% of users believed that firms' efforts to maintain clean water in public areas had been insufficient, while 80% were unhappy with how their water appeared and how safe it was.

Comment:

UK: Almost 50% of 1,000 people quizzed in CAW report feels that water firms have not improved service over past few years

Marketing procedures

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Water firms pollute rivers every week

Article Abstract:

The Environment Agency has called for harsher fines for water companies who are guilty of persistent pollution. These companies with profits totalling GB 2bn should face fines running into six figures, according to the Agency's chief executive. Under the Water Resources Act 1991 Crown Courts have powers to impose unlimited fines although the average fine is GB 4,300. As profits, dividends and bills go up so does the number of pollution incidents. The rate of prosecution is running at one a week with most incidents relating to illegal discharges of sewage into rivers as a result of poor operational management. The trade association for the companies, Water UK, claimed the industry is investing in improving river water quality.

Comment:

UK: Environment Agency calls for harsher fines for water companies who are guilty of persistent pollution

Government regulation

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UK: PRESCOTT RAISES WATER INDUSTRY CONCERNS

Article Abstract:

Deputy Prime Minister Prescott is understood to have raised concerns about water industry firms formulating plans to divide the ownership and management of their assets. Mr Prescott is worried that such changes could have a negative effect on water quality and safety standards. It is thought that the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) will initiate a review of the industry to guarantee that mistakes are not made similar to those that have blighted the rail industry as a result of it dividing safety and service standards. The majority of the UK's integrated sewage and water companies are examining measures to break off the management of the networks from the ownership of pipes, pumping stations and reservoirs.

Government regulation (cont), Sewage Systems, Sewage Treatment Facilities, Water supply, Sewerage systems, Management, Water utilities, Investigations, Sewer systems, Pollution control industry, United Kingdom. Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

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