Healthy improvement works

28/02/2006

Essential improvement work will safeguard a healthy ingredient for thousands of people in Gateshead.

Northumbrian Water is to renew 15 kilometres of water main which serves 5,000 properties in Carr Hill, Gateshead.

The £1 million essential improvement scheme, which will begin on Monday March 6 and last up to eight months, will not only safeguard water supplies for future generations but will also improve water quality.

Ian Cunliffe, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “The essential improvement work taking place in Carr Hill will use technology which avoids digging open trenches.  Plastic pipe will replace the existing cast iron main, which is more durable with a longer life expectancy.

“Carrying out this essential improvement work will ensure water continues to reach customers’ taps.  It is recommended that everyone drinks at least eight glasses of tap water a day to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“As part of our five-year investment programme we are going to upgrade 2,500 kilometres of water main throughout our supply area from Berwick down to North Yorkshire and across to the Pennines.”

Customers affected will soon receive further information and advice in writing.  If customers, especially those with special needs, have any queries or concerns relating to the work they should ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre.

Bogus callers are known to operate in Northumbrian Water’s supply area.  It is unlikely that anyone from the water company will need access into a customer’s property while this work is carried out.  If customers are in any doubt about the validity of a caller claiming to be from Northumbrian Water or the ‘water board’ they should ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0845 717 1100.

For further peace of mind customers can also register a password – if anyone from the water company needs to access a registered customer’s home they will know the password.  They should either ring the customer centre or log onto www.nwl.co.uk to register.

For further information please contact Joanne Dye on 0191 301 6733.