Water leaks costing Brits billions
(12 March 2007)

Around £1.8 billion every year is lost by Britons affected by domestic water leaks, it has been claimed.

The figure, based on research by Halifax Home Insurance, took into account water loss from taps left running, leaking showers and flooded washing machines, among other variables.

Around 14 per cent of households are damaged by washing machine problems, while shower issues affect ten per cent of homes, according to Halifax.

Over £130 million worth of damage is inflicted simply via failing to turn taps off properly, the insurers assert.

"Older properties are vulnerable as a result of corroding pipes, which face increasing strain as Britain endures ever more extreme fluctuations in temperature as a result of global warming," said Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter at Halifax Home Insurance.

"Long working hours in the UK would account for many leaks going undetected for a significant period of time," she added.

Last week the Green Party challenged new water charges on the basis that they did not provide homeowners with enough incentives to conserve water.