§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department is taking to address the concerns of fire service and insurance organisations regarding the practice of some water companies of reducing mains water pressure in order to reduce leakage rates. [42699]
§ Angela EagleMy Department has set up a National Liaison Group to improve the way that the water industry and fire service work together. Representatives of the fire service and the water companies on the Group are preparing a Code of Practice to facilitate better co-operation. Water pressure will he one of the issues covered. Following the Water Summit, water companies are working towards meeting their mandatory leakage targets in a variety of ways including the repair of customers' supply pipes and repair and replacement of mains. The Office of Water Services continues to ensure that any reductions in water pressure do not jeopardize water companies' statutory duties with regard to mains pressure and the delivery of water.