CHESHIRE water company, United Utilities, is keen to show the British public the much cleaner side to their work.

Away from the sewers the Lingley Mere firm, which provides water to three million homes every day, has released details of how it keeps the company squeaky clean with information about steps to establish the company as sustainable, ethical and fair.

The FTSE 100 business’ head of sustainability, Chris Matthews said: “We are a strictly controlled and openly accountable business, but there is so much more we do besides.

For instance, last year alone we gave staff more than 25,000 paid hours off work to do voluntary work like planting trees, mending fences and picking litter.

“That tots up to £500,000 of community investment.”

United Utilities works closely with many communities with different projects, something Chris admits goes unseen.

He said: “There are the extras we do as part of our day job that people don’t see when they turn on their taps or flush their loos.

“This includes improving the environment, supporting our customers who are vulnerable or in need, and being a good neighbour and employer, offering education and career opportunities.”

The company made the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the sixth year running.

Experts estimate that the company, which was founded in 1995, supports more than 9,000 local jobs.

It also contributes £7 billion to the regional economy through its five-year investment programme.

United Utilities’ 2013 report for Corporate Responsibility was released online this week at corporateresponsibility 2013.

unitedutilities.com.