Scandal as water firms 'leak a billion litres every day' while imposing hosepipe bans

Four water companies with hosepipe bans are leaking over one billion litres of water every day, an analysis has revealed. Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Southern Water and South East Water have all issued widespread hosepipe bans because of water shortages, leaving millions of customers without water for their gardens this summer.

But the four firms are leaking an average of 1.068billion litres of water a day, enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to an analysis by the Liberal Democrats. Tim Farron, the party's environment spokesman, said: "It is an absolute scandal that families are being told to limit their water use this summer, while these failing water firms are letting over a billion litres a day go to waste through leaky pipes.

"People are doing their bit - watering their gardens less, letting their lawns go brown - but they're being let down by companies that refuse to get their own house in order."

Water companies are required to measure the average amount of water lost through their network over a consecutive three-year period.

The Lib Dems warned that Thames Water comes out worst, with its average water leakage amounting to an equivalent of 592million litres per day. That is enough to keep a hosepipe running for over 75 years.

Yorkshire Water's average leaks equate to over 275million litres of water being lost every day, while Southern Water lost 104million and South East Water wasted 97million.

Mr Farron added: "The Government must step in now with tougher action. Firms that fail to fix leaks should be fined, and water company bosses should be stopped from pocketing eye-watering bonuses and pay rises while billions of litres of water is wasted and sewage is pumped in rivers, lakes and beaches.

"Enough is enough. The public shouldn't be forced to pay the price for the water companies' failure."

Temperatures over the coming week are expected to remain around 24C, reaching a high of 26C at the weekend.

Forecasters are expecting sunny spells and isolated showers, according to the Met Office.

But there are signs that high pressure will be more dominant into next week, which could lead to longer spells of fine, dry and possibly warm weather.

These potentially warmer temperatures could bring the possibility of further hosepipe bans if there is inadequate rainfall.

A Water UK spokesman said: "Water companies are doing everything they can to prevent further restrictions. Leakage is currently at the lowest level on record, with reductions every year since 2020, and will be cut by a further 17% by 2030.

"As well as setting new records for fixing leaks, water companies are moving water across their regions to support the driest areas.

"However, after one of the driest springs on record, recent heatwaves and more dry weather forecast, we're asking everyone to use water wisely and cut back where they can."