Healthy quality on tap

07/05/2007

Essential improvement work will safeguard the quality of tap water for thousands of people in Northumberland.

Northumbrian Water is to upgrade nine kilometres of water main which serves around 1,000 properties in Ashington.

The £500,000 essential improvement scheme, which will begin week commencing May 7 2007 and will last up to nine months, will not only safeguard water supplies for future generations but will also improve water quality.

Richard Johnston, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “The essential improvement work taking place in Ashington 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, and for one penny for 50 glasses is good value for money.

“As part of our five year investment programme, between 2005 and 2010, 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 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.