The Technology Strategy Board has awarded a £250,000 grant to Xeros for research and development to accelerate development of a domestic laundry machine capable of reducing water consumption by up to 80 per cent and slashing energy use by half. The grant, the highest that can be awarded through the Board’s Smart scheme, will be match funded by shareholder funds following a successful private equity funding round in 2011.

Despite a decline in output and a slow-down of growth in construction sector activity, construction companies’ confidence about the future has strengthened markedly to reach an eight-month high, according to a new survey of the sector.

Thames Water has lowered a state-of-the-art tunnelling machine into position 20 metres below ground, as part of a £190m project to extend one of Europe's largest sewage treatment works.

Water industry regulator Ofwat said this morning that the average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales is forecast to increase by 5.7%, or about £20 - above the current inflation rate of 5.2%.

The latest response by water regulator Ofwat on social tariff guidance has highlighted the increasingly complexity of the requirement for water companies to consult with stakeholders on the price setting process and their forthcoming AMP6 Business Plans.