Quality safeguarded

10/08/2007

Essential improvement work will safeguard tap water supplies to thousands of people in Northumberland.

Northumbrian Water is to upgrade 20 kilometres of water pipes which supply 4,200 properties in High Church and Kirkhill, Morpeth.

The £1.3 million scheme, which begins this week and will take up to five months to complete, will not only safeguard water supplies for future generations but will also maintain and improve water quality.

Kevin Fleming, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “The work taking place in the areas of High Church and Kirkhill is essential as the pipes supplying these areas are up to 80 years old and they are not as reliable as they were.

“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 Joanne Robertson on 0191 301 6733.