Bosses at North West Water said further improvements were due to be made over the next five years despite last year's independent review by the Drinking Water Inspectorate which showed that 99.7% of its water met set quality standards.

"We are pleased with the result but are pushing for further improvements," said Dr Paul West, head of quality regulation at North West Water.

Cheshire water is now among the best in Europe but a £132 million investment will make the water even better.

Substances such as iron and aluminium have now almost been eliminated from the water supply and plans are underway to replace lead pipes.

Cheshire water is now among the best in Europe but a £132 million investment will make the water even better.

"This investment will deliver real benfits to customers and the environment, and at the same time household bills will be going down," said Harry Croft, managing director of the water company.

The five-year improvement scheme will include upgrades to water treatment works and the replacement of 900km of mains.

While investments into the improvements increase customers will notice water rates falling.

"This year the average water and wastewater bill will fall by £17 a household," said Mr Croft. "And by 2005 it will have fallen by another £9."

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