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03/12/2010
Call For Customers To Help Fight Winter Leaks
Thames Water today called on its 13.8 million customers to help it fight leakage this winter by reporting burst or leaking water pipes when they spot them.
Britain's biggest water and sewerage company said bursts on its ageing 20,000-mile network of pipes had doubled since the current freezing weather began.
Jerry White, Thames Water's Head of Operational Control, said: "Since last weekend leaks reported to us from customers have doubled and this has doubled our engineers' workload. We are prepared for this, having significantly increased the number of leakage crews working across our London and Thames Valley supply region at the end of October - before it got cold rather than when.
"Although this forward-planning has helped, we still really need our customers' help in the fight against leakage this winter.
"So if you see a leak or burst, don't assume we know about it. Instead call our freephone 24-hour Leakline on 0800 714 614 so we can get on with fixing it as quickly as we can. Remember, though, that the icy conditions can prevent engineers moving around as easily as they'd like, so please bear with us."
A targeted programme is under way across London boroughs and in the Thames Valley to find and fix both visible and invisible leaks.
Jerry added: "Not all leaks are obvious. A lot are underground and unseen. So as well as tackling the obvious leaks that spill water out over a road or pavement, our engineers are now also trying to find and fix less obvious, underground leaks.
"If left unchecked, unseen leaks can soon become big, visible bursts, so by fixing them before they get worse we hope to minimise really serious disruption.
"Inevitably, however, our work will cause some disruption to road-users and residents for which we apologise in advance. There'll also be some early starts. Again, we're sorry for that too. This is must-do work so we'd ask people to bear with us."
(CD)
Britain's biggest water and sewerage company said bursts on its ageing 20,000-mile network of pipes had doubled since the current freezing weather began.
Jerry White, Thames Water's Head of Operational Control, said: "Since last weekend leaks reported to us from customers have doubled and this has doubled our engineers' workload. We are prepared for this, having significantly increased the number of leakage crews working across our London and Thames Valley supply region at the end of October - before it got cold rather than when.
"Although this forward-planning has helped, we still really need our customers' help in the fight against leakage this winter.
"So if you see a leak or burst, don't assume we know about it. Instead call our freephone 24-hour Leakline on 0800 714 614 so we can get on with fixing it as quickly as we can. Remember, though, that the icy conditions can prevent engineers moving around as easily as they'd like, so please bear with us."
A targeted programme is under way across London boroughs and in the Thames Valley to find and fix both visible and invisible leaks.
Jerry added: "Not all leaks are obvious. A lot are underground and unseen. So as well as tackling the obvious leaks that spill water out over a road or pavement, our engineers are now also trying to find and fix less obvious, underground leaks.
"If left unchecked, unseen leaks can soon become big, visible bursts, so by fixing them before they get worse we hope to minimise really serious disruption.
"Inevitably, however, our work will cause some disruption to road-users and residents for which we apologise in advance. There'll also be some early starts. Again, we're sorry for that too. This is must-do work so we'd ask people to bear with us."
(CD)
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Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
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A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
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Homes Without Gas After Water Pipe Leaks Into Supply
Some 500 homes in Blaenau Gwent are without gas after a burst water pipe leaked water into the gas supply. Engineers from Wales and West Utilities are working to fix the problem, but have described the job as "complex". Gas customers in the Nantyglo area are being urged to make sure their gas supply is turned off.
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Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
17 April 2012
Millions Of Customers Mis-sold Water Pipe Insurance
A watchdog has found that millions of British homeowners have been missold expensive and potentially unnecessary water pipe insurance of around £35 a year. Which? has found 10 of the 12 largest water companies promoted the supply pipe insurance, despite many customers automatically being covered by their free policies.
Millions Of Customers Mis-sold Water Pipe Insurance
A watchdog has found that millions of British homeowners have been missold expensive and potentially unnecessary water pipe insurance of around £35 a year. Which? has found 10 of the 12 largest water companies promoted the supply pipe insurance, despite many customers automatically being covered by their free policies.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
