Tip top tap
25/06/2007
Essential work is about to start to safeguard a vital ingredient for a healthy lifestyle for thousands of people in Tyne & Wear.
Northumbrian Water is to upgrade 13 kilometres of water main, which serves around 500 properties in Whitley Bay, at a cost of £200,000.
The improvement work, which will begin today and last up to four months, will not only safeguard water supplies for future generations but will also improve the quality of this calorie-free drink on tap.
Richard Johnston, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “It is recommended that everyone drinks at least eight glasses of tap water a day to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. The work will ensure high quality tap water – a calorie-free drink! – continues to reach customers’ taps.”
“The work taking place in Whitley Bay 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.
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.
ends
For further information please contact Carolyn King on 0191 301 6722.