International comparisons - network activity

This site uses the UK Government AccessKeys system	Protecting consumers, promoting value and safeguarding the future Skip Menus
	What's new \| Publications \| Media centre \| Price review \| FAQs Update alerts \| Consumer issues \| Site map \| Competition \| Contact us


Advanced Search \| Help

Ofwat

Competition acquisitions, mergers, company structures

Consultation papers

Information asset register

Information notes

Investigations

Leaflets

Letters to Managing Directors

Letters to Regulatory Directors

Miscellaneous

Price reviews & interim determinations

Position papers

Regulatory accounting guidelines

Reporting requirements: company returns

Reports commissioned by Ofwat

Reports on water companies

Research papers

Submissions, responses, evidence

Speeches

Ofwat home > Publications > Reports on water companies

Introduction	Customers' bills	Unit costs	Customer service levels	Water quality
Environmental performance	Water balance	Water efficiency	Leakage	Network activity

International comparisons - network activity

This section compares levels of network activity (for example, water mains renewed and sewers renovated or replaced) on maintaining and enhancing the water and sewerage service.

We also compare water mains burst rates and rates of sewer collapse. This gives an indication of the performance of the network. Differences in network performance can be because of:

land topography (for example, pumping requirements);
soil conditions (for example, sand versus clay);
climate (for example, drought);
asset age and condition; and
operational management (for example, pressure).

Mains bursts and sewer collapse rates are included in our serviceability assessment of the England and Wales companies' underground assets. We define serviceability as the capability of a system of assets to deliver a reference (expected) level of service to customers and the environment now and in the future. Trends in serviceability help us to make judgements as to whether the capital maintenance activity carried out by the companies over the period resulted in changes in serviceability and service to customers.

The companies in England and Wales are required, as a minimum, to achieve and maintain stable serviceability. Serviceability is deemed to be stable when the assessment of trends in a defined set of service and asset performance indicators demonstrates that service is in line with the reference level of service and, by inference, is likely to remain so in the future.

Last year, we published our assessment of serviceability for water companies in England and Wales in our 'Financial performance and expenditure 2006-07' report.

Network activity

Network activity - results for 2006-07

Disclaimer & Privacy Statement