North West Water

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North West Water was a water supply and sewage company serving the North West England region. It was established in 1973 as part of the reorganization of the water industry in England and Wales. The company was responsible for the provision of clean water and the treatment of wastewater in the region.

History

North West Water was formed following the Water Act 1973, which aimed to consolidate the numerous smaller water authorities into regional entities. The company was one of ten regional water authorities created by the act. It took over the responsibilities of several smaller water boards and local authorities in the North West of England.

In 1989, North West Water was privatized under the Water Act 1989, which led to the creation of North West Water Group plc. This privatization was part of a broader movement by the Government of the United Kingdom to privatize public utilities.

Merger and Rebranding

In 1995, North West Water Group plc merged with Norweb, an electricity company, to form United Utilities. This merger created a multi-utility company that provided both water and electricity services. Following the merger, the North West Water brand was gradually phased out, and the services were rebranded under the United Utilities name.

Operations

North West Water was responsible for the management of water resources, including the maintenance of reservoirs, treatment plants, and the distribution network. The company also managed the collection and treatment of sewage, ensuring that wastewater was treated to meet environmental standards before being discharged into rivers and the sea.

Service Area

The service area of North West Water covered a large part of North West England, including major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Lancaster. The region is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas, with a significant industrial base.

Environmental Impact

North West Water was involved in various environmental initiatives aimed at protecting water resources and improving water quality. The company invested in infrastructure projects to reduce pollution and enhance the efficiency of water treatment processes.

Legacy

The legacy of North West Water continues through United Utilities, which remains a major provider of water and wastewater services in North West England. The company's history is a significant part of the development of the water industry in the region.

See Also

• United Utilities
• Water supply and sanitation in the United Kingdom
• Water privatization
• Water Act 1973
• Water Act 1989