2002 - 2006: Scottish Water's first regulatory period

After formation in 2002, Scottish Water was challenged to reverse years of neglect in the water industry in Scotland, to meet new stringent European Union directives to improve drinking water quality and protect the environment, and achieve tough new efficiency targets.   

Much has been achieved towards these targets, and improvements have been delivered with around 2,000 fewer people employed in the water industry compared to 2002.

Finances

Scottish Water succeeded in beating efficiency targets set by its regulator, the Water Industry Commission, by running the business for over 40% less in 2006 than in 2002.  Significant progress was also made in renewing the water infrastucture in Scotland, although further work is planned in the current regulatory period to bring the network up to a standard that meets our customer's expectations.  

Customers

Customer service standards and customer satisfaction have improved.  Drinking water quality has got better every year.  Scotland’s beaches and rivers are cleaner.  The new regulatory period (2006-2010) will see further efforts to improve in all these areas.

Capital Investment Programme

More than 2,000 projects have been completed across the country to upgrade the infrastructure. Average household charges in Scotland are now lower than those paid by customers of the private companies in England and Wales. 

2006 - 2010: Scottish Water's second regulatory period

The Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland has set Scottish Water some challenging targets for the next four years.  Scottish Water must:

Improve customer service by around 40%

We are tackling constraints in communities around Scotland and have a programme in place to deliver the second largest investment programme in the UK between now and 2010 to improve the water infrastructure and bring clear fresh drinking water to your taps.