HC Deb 13 June 1996 vol 279 c234W
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the average water leakage levels in(a) 1988 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [32048]

Mr. Clappison

The Office of Water Supply Services report, "Leakage of Water in England and Wales", published on 30 May 196, gave a total leakage level for 1994–95 of about 30 per cent. of water put into the distribution system. Of this percentage, companies attribute about 23 per cent. to leakage from the distribution system and 7 per cent. from customers' supply pipes.

Further detail is contained in the body of the report, a copy of which is in the Library.

Leakage levels for 1988 are not available on a comparable basis.