South West Water

Parent Company:         Pennon plc

Regulated utility:           South West Water Limited

Although one of the smallest water companies by area and population, it has the longest coastline. At the time of privatisation it had almost no coastal sewage treatment and as a consequence has a relatively high capital investment programme. Now investment in improved treatment of sewerage from the major coastal towns is nearing completion. Instead the focus is on water mains replacement, smaller sewage treatment works and combined sewage overflows.

South West Water is typical of the pattern of the water companies in that it has decided its main future lies in growing non-regulated business. Hence the decision to change the group company name to Pennon and to establish two wholly owned subsidiaries namely South West Water Ltd and Viridor Ltd.

Initially the group invested in a global instrumentation business as well as waste handling. Now the instrumentation business has been sold and activity focused on waste management in which Pennon has built a leading position. Further details on the group can be obtained at www.pennon-group.co.uk