Water firm looks to future

01/12/2007

Plans and ambitions for the service Northumbrian Water delivers to its 2.6 million customers in the North East are set out in a newly published document.

The detailed 52-page strategic direction statement entitled 'Looking to the Future' is the water companies next step in its planning process and is the opportunity for customers to comment on its proposals.

'Looking to the Future' sets out ambitions for the next 25 years and beyond. Stakeholders have already contributed and the company has also used extensive customer research.

John Cuthbert, Managing Director, said: "We aim to use this consultation process to ensure our future plans meet not only UK and EU legislative requirements, but also the priorities of our customers, the customer watchdog CCWater and other key stakeholders.

"The company has come a long way since the water industry was privatised nearly 20 years ago. The quality of our drinking water is the best it has ever been and we have contributed to significant improvements in river and bathing water quality.

"There have been major changes in the world around us in that time – technology has transformed the way we live and work – 20 years ago who would have imagined the impact the internet or mobile phone would have on our lives?

"Throughout all this time Northumbrian Water has remained constantly committed to give customers excellent service and value for money. That commitment will remain as we prepare our strategy for the next 25 years and beyond.

"We have tried to identify the major challenges we will face in the future and how we propose to overcome them. A key challenge will be more frequent and more intense storms from the changing climate which will put pressure on the capacity of the drainage systems to cope.

"By 2009-10 we expect water and sewerage bills in the North East to be the lowest in the country. We believe it should be possible to maintain low bills while meeting the challenges of improved services and environmental enhancements.

"Water is vital for a healthy life and environment and it is important that our customers consider our plans and send us their comments," said John Cuthbert.

Northumbrian Water's 'Looking to the Future' strategic direction statement is available to view on line today at www.nwl.co.uk . Printed copies will be available next month.

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