Northumbrian Water has received national accreditation from the UK water industry competency body, Energy & Utility Skills, for securing the strict quality standards for water quality operations.
On Friday, January 25, Northumbrian Water became one of the first water companies to be recognised for achieving high industry standards set out in the latest Competent Operator Scheme (COS) and awarded a certificate of recognition.
The nationwide scheme is a collaboration between Water UK, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and Energy & Utility Skills and has been recently introduced as a new benchmark for UK water companies to ensure levels of operational excellence, good practice and compliance are met.
Having had its processes certified according to a strict set of industry standards, Northumbrian Water has demonstrated its commitment to ensure high quality high quality water supply and safe and efficient working.
Northumbrian Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Heidi Mottram, said: "It’s fantastic for us to be recognised for our high standards and we’re proud to be one of the first to receive this accreditation in the industry.
"Here at Northumbrian Water - we are committed to constantly improving and developing best practice across our business, to ensure the levels of service we provide to our customers is second-to-none.
"This recognition would not be possible without our amazing employees who we support to ensure they deliver the best possible service to our customers and provide great, clear tasting tap water."
Nick Ellins, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills, said: "Congratulations to Northumbrian Water for being one of the first regulated water companies in the UK to deliver the necessary quality assurance standards required to secure this new Competent Operator Scheme certification.
"The scheme sets a nationwide benchmark of good practice that all the companies have signed up to. It is now an essential element of water quality assurance, with operator competence rightly embedded within the Principles of Water Supply Hygiene and water quality policy."
Marcus Rink, Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, said: "I congratulate Northumbrian Water on securing their Competent Operator certificate through the industry-led scheme. This award reflects a commitment to good practice and I support and encourage all companies to have competent operators at the core of their water quality operations."