As Thames Water plans the largest investment ever by a UK water company, customers can now find out how they are likely to benefit.

By using a new, interactive map, available on Thames Water's website, customers can find out about the essential water and sewage services the company intends to provide between 2010 and 2015.

The proposed £6.5billion plans detailed in the map are set out in the company's draft Business Plan, which has been submitted to water industry regulator, Ofwat, for review.

Thames Water's Director of Strategy and Regulation Peter Antolik, said: "As most of the investment we're looking for will be paid for by our customers, we think it's only fair that we make it easy for them to find out how their money is likely to be spent.


"Now information, which in days gone by would have been hidden in lengthy reports, is only a click away.

"Customers will not only be able to see what projects are proposed for their area, but as and when plans are approved by Ofwat, they will also be able to see when work begins and track its progress. We hope that customers will find this useful and that it helps them understand the scale of investment which is needed to ensure we can continue to deliver the best water and wastewater services to them in future years."

Thames Water is proposing increased levels of investment to protect thousands of homes from the threat of sewer flooding; to replace thousands of kilometres of ageing Victorian water mains, which are prone to leaks and bursts; and to safeguard future water supplies for customers.

The plans were drawn up after the company's most comprehensive consultation and reflect customers' concerns and priorities.

Thames Water will submit its final Business Plan to Ofwat in April 2009. Ofwat will make its final decision on the plan in November 2009.

(CD/KMcA)