The contracts have been awarded to Morrison Utility Services (MUS) and Network Plus, under US Water’s new Water Services Partnership, following a tender process for its clean water network repair and maintenance services contracts.

Previously, clean water network repairs and maintenance were delivered by one contractor.

Under the new Water Services Partnership, contracts are divided into five lots – in a bid to drive innovation, competition, customer service and support the water company’s efficiency targets.

Both companies will deliver emergency and planned reactive work and metering services for the water company.

The contracts start in July and initially last for four years, with a further four-year extension option. Together, the contracts are worth around £553 million over eight years.

Neil Dewis, director of water at US Water, said: “The new Water Services Partnership will allow us to improve on many levels.

“In the longer term it will help us to drive more innovation in the industry, and in the shorter term it will allow us to continuously improve service for our customers and for US as a whole.”