Safeguarding a vital ingredient

21/07/2006

Hundreds of families in Tees Valley are to benefit from essential improvement work to safeguard an ingredient vital for life.

Northumbrian Water is to renew seven kilometres of water pipes, which serves 4,000 properties in Middlesbrough, at a cost of £750,000.

The improvement work, which will begin on Monday August 14 and last up to 12 months, will not only safeguard water supplies for future generations but will also improve water quality.

Customers are invited to find out more about the work and raise any questions or concerns at a drop-in customer information session on Thursday 3 August 2006 in the Erimus Heritage room at Middlesbrough Town Hall (entrance from Russell Street), from 2.00pm to 7.00pm.

Dave Ingle, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “The work taking place in Middlesbrough will use technology, where possible, which avoids digging open trenches.  Plastic pipe will replace the existing cast iron main, which is more durable with a longer life expectancy – a new pipe has a life expectancy of 100 years, and an existing relined pipe has a 70 year life expectancy.

“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.

“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.”

Customers affected will have received further information and advice in writing.  If customers, especially those with special needs, have any queries or concerns they should ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0845 717 1100.

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.

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.