Mid Kent Water is the largest entity within the group and, as a water undertaking, has a statutory responsibility to promote the efficient use of water. In taking this responsibility seriously, Mid Kent Water is committed to the active promotion of the need for water conservation.

As a nation, we have all grown up expecting water on demand and for it to be freely available at little charge. But times change. Increased legislation, heightened awareness of health issues and some of the driest years in recent history mean that it is no longer something that can be provided for virtually nothing nor taken for granted.

Education and information
One of the most important elements of Mid Kent Water’s social and environmental plan is to educate and inform about water conservation, in particular, the next generation of consumers. Members of staff visit schools throughout the region in a full programme of events. Additionally, the Company arranges visits and provides speakers for a wide range of clubs and societies.

This work includes:

• supplying schools with primary and secondary school teachers’ packs;
• providing information to customers and students of all ages on request;
• field study trips;
• arranging site visits;
• creating strong links with education business partnerships.

The education programme will stand the community in good stead for the future. However, demand must continue to be reduced now. The fact that the area covered by Mid Kent Water is drier than Tel Aviv will come as a surprise to many, but it brings home the reality that we all must avoid waste and recognise the value of water.

Innovation and the community
Mid Kent Water sponsored the first research in the UK into rain-fed gardening ten years ago at Wye College, near Canterbury, which has enabled customers to take water efficiency into their own gardens.

The Company has now launched a unique water efficiency exhibition called ‘Water in Your World’ at the Hop Farm Country Park, near Paddock Wood, one of Kent’s top tourist attractions. This is an imaginative and entertaining mixture of information and fun that has already attracted over 385,000 visitors since it opened in 1998.

As the organisation responsible for providing safe, clean water to customers throughout the county, Mid Kent Water also takes an active role in its community. It receives many requests for help and financial aid from groups throughout the area. Whilst it would be impossible to help all those who seek our assistance, the Company aims to help as many as possible. Much of the county is thriving and prosperous, but Mid Kent Water recognises that not everyone is benefiting from this prosperity. Community initiatives include the Mid Kent Water Charitable Trust which was set up to help those in genuine financial need. This aims to not only provide short-term immediate assistance, but also counselling and advice to provide more long-term solutions to the less fortunate in society.

Although smaller, other parts of the group are equally active in their local communities. The Eclipse Group has its headquarters at Chatteris where it has been appointed the Champion for local business. This role is undertaken in partnership with the Fenland council and involves Eclipse actively helping and promoting local small businesses.

One of the main objectives of the recently acquired Inenco Group is to help customers become more energy efficient. It is also active in helping to promote small businesses in the North West through its membership of the Fylde Partnership and local Business Link. Inenco has also,
for a number of years, supported the charity that runs its local hospice.

Providing access for the public, Mid Kent Fisheries controls ten lakes situated between Chilham and Canterbury ranging in size from two acres up to the 26 acres of Chilham lake itself. Mid Kent Fisheries has made major improvements to enable, not only public access to this area of outstanding natural beauty, but also fishing from all areas. One of the most important considerations was to provide access for people with disabilities.

Objectives
The Mid Kent Group is committed to further develop its social and environmental policies, continuing to concentrate on the promotion of best practice in the efficient use of water and energy and playing an active part in the communities it serves.