Treating sewage is…squeaky clean

TREATING sewage might be a dirty business, but Warrington-based water company United Utilities is keen to show customers how squeaky clean it is.
The business, which also provides tap water to seven million people, has released details of the steps it takes to be sustainable, ethical and fair in everything it does.
United Utilities’ latest corporate responsibility report has been released online at www.corporateresponsibility2013.unitedutilities.com
Chris Matthews, head of sustainability, said: “We are a strictly controlled and openly accountable business, but there’s so much more we do besides. For instance, last year alone we gave staff more than 25,000 paid hours off work to do voluntary work like planting trees, mending fences and picking litter. That tots up to £500,000 of community investment.
“Then there are the extras we do as part of our day job that people don’t see when they turn on their taps or flush their loos: such as improving the environment, supporting our customers who are vulnerable or in need, and being a good neighbour and employer, offering education and career opportunities.”
United Utilities also backed two of its Warrington-based staff, IT experts Carl Nelson and Paul Whalley, when they did a 170-mile sponsored bike ride in aid of the North West Air Ambulance – doubling the cash they raised up to £1,000.
Picture: Carl and Paul after their bike ride.