Affinity Water has announced they have beaten their leakage target and reduced leakage by 15.8% in 2022/23 against a target of 14%.

This is the lowest level of leakage Affinity Water have ever had as a company and the largest percentage reduction in leakage of any UK water company. 

Tackling leakage is one of Affinity Water’s top priorities – the utility is working together with other companies to use new techniques and innovative technology to find and fix more leaks.

Affinity Water had a significant increase in the number of bursts and leaks over 2022/2023 due to two extreme weather events with record breaking summer temperatures of 40 degrees celsius and a freeze/thaw event in December.

Extreme weather events cause ground movement and also cause pipes to expand and contract putting significant pressure on the water network.

Keith Haslett, CEO Affinity Water commented:

“We are confident that we are on track to deliver on our commitment to reduce leakage by 20% for 2025 and are determined to follow up on our success from the 2015 - 2020 period in having the largest reductions in leakage of all UK water companies. 

“We will do this through continuing to use new innovative methods and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital networks, to find and fix leaks faster than ever before with the aim to reduce leakage by 50% by 2050.

“We need to stress the importance of reporting leaks, which helps to play a key part to ensure the long-term sustainable supply of water, whilst leaving more in the environment.”

Further reductions in leakage are a key part of Affinity Water’s longer-term plans with the aim to reduce leakage by 50% by 2050.