A spokesperson for the water company said it is fixing 20 per cent more leaks than normal, or the equivalent of one every 10 minutes. The company has said the prolonged hot and dry weathers puts pressure on the water pipes, with dry ground putting strain on the pipes. At the same time, the company has put the blame on customers as higher demand for water increased making bursts and leaks more likely. CEO Chris Weston defended the company's pay levels, as his pay rose by 14% to £1.163 million in the year to March, while other directors received bonuses totalling £4.1 million. (Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)Additionally, £500 million has been invested in finding and fixing leaks.