SOUTHERN Water spent more than £170 million on environmental improvements during the last six months - around £30 million more than the company's £140 million operating profit it generated in that time.

Parent company Scottish Power unveiled the figures today as part of the group's interim results which show a six per cent increase in turnover to £1,531 million with operating profit up £1 million to £325 million and profit before tax of £240 million, down £7 million.

At Southern Water, the company's half year operating profit of £140 million will help fund its continuing programme of improvements in the quality of bathing waters, rivers and drinking water. In total £172 million was invested from April to September to improve service, an increase of £30 million on the same period last year.

Southern Water managing director Ronnie Mercer said: "This investment is part of a £1 billion improvement programme bringing significant benefits to customers in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent.

"In the last six months we have made excellent progress," and he added: "We have proposed a £1.5 billion improvement programme for the next five years."

Ofwat has confirmed Southern Water is providing the highest level of service of the country's ten water companies, singling out Southern for giving particularly good service.

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