Ofwat said it was the third year in succession that the supply company had reported rising leakage figures. The new Consumer Council for Water said it had called for urgent talks with United Utilities about its performance, but was satisfied that improvements were now being made. Andrea Cook, chairman of the watchdog's North West regional committee said: "United Utilities has provided us with evidence that it has sharpened its focus on leakage in recent months, and is directing more resources to reducing wastage.