Water companies losing vast amounts through leakage, as drought fears rise

Customers are being asked to save water, but more than 20% of water is lost before it reaches homes and leakage levels are not declining, Guardian analysis showsFears of a drought are rising after an exceptionally dry spell and water companies are asking customers to save water, but the vast amount of water that leaks from company pipes every day has not fallen for at least four years, according to a Guardian analysis.Furthermore, many companies in the parched south and east of England have been set leak reduction targets for 2020 of zero or even targets that could allow leakages to increase. Critics blame a system where it is "cheaper to drain a river dry than fix a leak" and say it is unfair to place the water saving burden on customers while 20% of all water leaks out before it even reaches homes. Continue reading...