1.   During the drought, water companies used water from the emergency reservoirs, gambling that normal rainfall would soon fill them up again.

2.   The state utilities commission gave the go-ahead for the water company to raise rates.

3.   The water companies will have to improve the performance of their sewage works or risk other claims.

4.   The water company is failing to control pollution.

5.   In its first annual report, the NRA spelt out its intention to maintain a tough watchdog stance towards the water companies.

6.   Bidders include PowerGen, National Power and the water companies.

7.   The organisers of the awards reported an increase in the fouling of beaches by solid sewage despite a multi-billion pound clean-up by the water companies.

8.   It has been rejected by Clwyd council, together with ten other local authorities and four water companies.

9.   The water companies have reacted critically to the tougher stance taken by the NRA.