BY and large North West Water is doing a good job.

Industry regulator Ofwat has praised the water firm overall for serving its customers and the environment well.

That's praise indeed from a watchdog which has monitored water industries in England and Wales.

Where North West Water has fallen down is over its "poor" telephone service to customers.

Ofwat has criticised the company for not responding quickly enough to telephone complaints and queries.

North West Water appears to have taken the criticism well.

"We are always looking at ways to improve customer services," a spokesman said.

And he also pointed out that the telephone service had performed only slightly below the average.

That's fair enough. But any customers of North West Water who are at the receiving end of a "below average" performance will welcome the fact that the company hopes to improve.

The issuing of the report highlights the importance of having such watchdogs as Ofwat. Essential services such as supplying water must aim for the highest standards. Having a watchdog snapping at their heels and reminding them of that fact is no bad thing.

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