Eight of 18 water firms fail to meet targets on tackling leaks

UK's driest start to summer and freeze-thaw after cold snap in February and March blamed for problems

Water companies have been urged to "raise the bar" on tackling leaks during talks with Michael Gove, the environment secretary, after once again failing to meet targets.

The firms insisted they would do more and are planning "ambitious" new goals to reduce leakage by at least a further 15%.