South West Water is again living up to its Price Promise to keep average household bill rises below inflation to the end of the decade.  In keeping with this pledge, its average bill for water and wastewater services in 2017/18 will be £491, a fall of 1%.

This follows a price freeze and a series of bill reductions and below inflationary rises in recent years. South West Water is the only water and sewerage company to reduce its average bill in 2017/18.  While keeping bills down, the company is maintaining its investment in improving services, and plans to spend around £170 million in the coming year.

From 1 April the average household bill will reduce from £497 to £491 as domestic customers continue to benefit from the £50 Government Contribution.  In addition, the company actively encourages householders to have a free water meter fitted as this can save up to £400 a year. For those customers who may struggle to pay their bills, South West Water will continue its pioneering support, working with the Citizens Advice Bureau and Housing Association Partnerships and providing a range of assistance measures including social tariffs.

South West Water will also continue to deliver improvements in areas customers have identified as priority. Investment highlights for 2017/18, which will help sustain around 6,000 jobs in the region, include:

• Construction of the Mayflower plant, the new water treatment works for the Plymouth area using new state-of-the-art technology
• Upgrades to water treatment in North Devon, Torbay and the South Hams
• Improvements to reduce interruptions to supply and water discolouration
• Schemes to reduce flooding and pollution in Exmouth and Great Torrington by removing surface water from combined sewers
• Sewer improvements in Helston, Barnstaple, Dawlish, Exmouth, Ivybridge and Wadebridge
• Major improvements to sewage treatment works at Carnon Downs, Hayle and Truro
• Increased renewable energy production from sludge treatment facilities
• Ongoing development of joint schemes with other flood authorities to prevent sewer flooding and pollution

South West Water’s Managing Director Stephen Bird said: “We’re responding to our customers and keeping bills down while making improvements in areas that matter most to them.  We’re using new technology and more innovative ways of working to deliver a more efficient service while spending about £1 billion in the five-year period to 2020.  It’s important that our services are valued by customers and contribute to the economic success of the South West.”