Trading Statement

United Utilities Group PLC

21 March 2013

                        UNITED UTILITIES TRADING UPDATE                        

Current trading is in line with the group's expectations for the year ending 31
March 2013. The company remains on track to deliver its 2010-15 regulatory
outperformance targets and continues to drive improvements in customer service
and operational effectiveness.

As indicated previously, revenue is expected to increase at a rate slightly
below the allowed regulated price rise for 2012/13, principally reflecting the
continuing impact of a tough economic climate on commercial volumes. Underlying
operating profit for 2012/13 is anticipated to be slightly higher than 2011/12,
despite expected rises in depreciation, power and other costs, as the company
continues to tightly manage its cost base.

United Utilities has made further progress on its regulatory capital investment
programme and now expects to invest at least £750 million in 2012/13, compared
with £680 million invested in the prior year, as the company continues to
invest to maintain and improve services for customers, deliver further
environmental benefits and provide a significant contribution to the regional
economy.

The underlying net finance expense for 2012/13 is expected to be moderately
lower than last year, mainly reflecting the impact of lower RPI inflation in
respect of the group's index-linked debt.

The total effective tax rate for 2012/13 is expected to be broadly in line with
the mainstream rate of corporation tax of 24%. This excludes the adjustment
relating to deferred tax in the first half of the year, as a result of the UK
Government's staged reduction in the rate of corporation tax.

Group net debt at 31 March 2013 is expected to be slightly higher than the
position at 30 September 2012. This principally reflects expenditure on the
regulatory capital investment programme, payment of the 2012/13 interim
dividend and payments in relation to interest and tax, largely offset by
operational cash flows. Gearing remains stable, reflecting growth in the
regulatory capital value, supporting a solid A3 credit rating for United
Utilities Water PLC.

United Utilities will announce its full year results on 23 May 2013.

United Utilities contacts:

Gaynor Kenyon, Corporate Affairs Director           [phone] 
                                                                        
Darren Jameson, Head of Investor Relations          [phone] 
                                                                        
Peter Hewer / Michelle Clarke, Tulchan              [phone]
Communications                                                          

This announcement is also available at: http://corporate.unitedutilities.com/
investors.aspx