Catholic campaigners outraged as water companies put profit before leaks

Catholic aid agencies and environmentalists have reacted angrily to the news from regulator Ofwat that despite the recent drought, more than half the water firms in the country will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015.

The reported details show that 11 of the 21 companies responsible for water supply have targets of zero reduction in leaks over the next three years.

Every day 3.4 billion litres of water is lost - a quarter of the entire supply. Water companies made £2 billion in pre-tax profits and paid £1.5 billion in dividends for 2010/11.

Clare Lyons, head of CAFOD Campaigns, said: “Our supporters across the UK have shown how strongly they feel about water as a precious resource. As part of our Thirst for Change campaign, we’ve received more than 50,000 actions calling on David Cameron to end water poverty for the world’s poorest people. Knowing that there are still so many of the world’s poorest with so little access to water, it is shocking that 3.4 billion litres of water are needlessly wasted each day in the UK.”

Environmental writer and theologian Ed Echlin said: “Water belongs to and is the responsibility of everyone. Water companies are entrusted with the conservation and distribution of water. Their leaks are a scandal. the Government should insist that they repair leaks immediately thereby giving example to the rest of us.”

Broadcaster and advisor on the environment to the Bishops Conference of England and Wales Mary Colwell said: “This is a perfect example of what happens when nature is purely a commodity and any value above that of balance sheets is disregarded. The water companies can make do with the system they have, so they don't have to fix leaks - yet. But the absurdity of it all is staggering. But then we consistently fail to give all resources their true value.”

Tim Aldred, head of policy and communications at Progressio, said: “We all, rich or poor, have a human right to water. It is fundamental to livelihoods, environmental protection, businesses, health, sanitation – and indeed life itself. Water shortages in the UK are a sharp reminder of the challenge of meeting this right.

“Progressio supporters have been raising water as a priority issue with the UK government for the UN summit on sustainable development in Rio. The message we are hearing is that the government agrees, and regards water as a high priority for the summit. The test of any commitments made in June will be the action that follows, both at home as well as abroad.

“Everyone with a responsibility for water management, whether governments, water companies, small farmers and householders, will need to do their utmost to use water responsibly and minimise waste. Above all, we must make sure that the most vulnerable don’t lose out on access to this essential resource.”