Millions of Britons face hosepipe bans this summer as water companies struggle to contain colossal water losses through leaking pipes – despite charging customers for every drop.
New figures reveal that water firms lose a staggering 2.4 billion litres daily through leaks, equivalent to 960 Olympic swimming pools. This comes as several regions prepare drought restrictions while companies continue paying dividends to shareholders.
Ofwat Under Fire for Weak Oversight
The water regulator faces mounting criticism after admitting it won't penalise companies for missing leak reduction targets until 2025. Environmental campaigners accuse Ofwat of "letting water firms off the hook" while reservoirs run dangerously low.
Where Are the Bans?
- Southern Water: Restrictions already in force for Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- South East Water: Ban announced for Kent and Sussex from 26 June
- Thames Water: Emergency measures being considered
"It's outrageous," says Martha Wilkinson of the Consumer Water Forum. "Customers pay for water that never reaches their taps, then get punished when supplies run short."
The Leak Crisis by Numbers
- 20% of UK water supply lost daily
- £2.9 billion paid in dividends last year
- Only 3 of 11 companies met 2022 leak targets
Water UK insists companies are "working tirelessly" to fix leaks, having reduced losses by a third since the 1990s. But with climate change bringing hotter, drier summers, critics say the industry needs to move faster.
As garden sprinklers get banned and car washes close, the question remains: why should customers suffer for the industry's failures?
