The prestigious awards celebrate the achievements of the industry and recognise innovation, outstanding service, efficiency and quality and are judged by an independent panel of experts from the industry.

The three possible awards are:

• WaterCare, the company's scheme to assist customers in need, is one of three companies in the running for the Customer Care Award.
• The Exmoor Mire Restoration Project is among three companies vying for the Environment Award.
• In the Supply Chain Excellence category, the company has been short listed for its partnership approach to transporting sludge with Gregory Distribution.

Chris Loughlin, South West Water's Chief Executive, said: "We are very proud to have been short listed in three categories of the Utility Week awards.

"Customer service, environmental care, and value for money services underpins South West Water's vision for the next 30 years, so it is great to be recognised for our work in these areas."

Ends

Published: 17 October 2008

Notes

WaterCare: Launched in 2007, WaterCare was designed to help those most in need and is recognised by the Government as an industry-leading scheme. Already, thousands of customers have received help to reduce their bills through the installation of simple water saving devices or by switching to a water meter.

Exmoor Mire Restoration Project: A partnership project between ExmoorNational Park, Natural England, the Environment Agency and South West Water, this scheme will see the restoration of moorland, which has deteriorated as a result of peat cutting – resulting in increased levels of carbon dioxide escaping into the atmosphere.

As the moorland's ability to hold water decreases, so downstream water quality is affected. Restoration of the moorland's hydrological function leads to slower drainage, less erosion and clearer water.

Team of the Year: A complex tender development process was put together by South West Water to assist with the change in legislation regarding the disposal of biosolids.

A number of improvements have now been introduced as a result of this partnership, including the ability to take away higher payloads in tankers with reduced emissions, in-cab driver performance monitoring and feedback, integrated computerised work scheduling and optimised vehicle routing.