Hosepipe ban but Water Watchdog still expects high quality service

Media contact: Charlene Stevens on 0121 345 1006 or 07778 160808

7 July 2010

United Utilities has today announced a hosepipe ban to take effect from Friday 9 July 2010 at 6.00am, but water watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water expects the company to deliver a high quality customer service, and to continue to keep customers well informed.

Andrea Cook, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water’s Northern Committee, said:

“United Utilities is facing its driest start to the year since 1929, and has now announced a hosepipe ban. The ban applies to all United Utilities customers except those in Carlisle, Allderdale, Copeland and the north Eden Valley¹.  The company has kept its customers informed of their water resources situation from an early stage and we have emphasised the need to continue to keep them updated.

“Consumers are concerned about their water environment and accept the need to conserve water. Indeed, 4 out of 5 consumers (80%) tell us that they are prepared to accept restrictions such as hosepipe bans – as long as water companies can demonstrate that they have done all they can to effectively manage water supplies.

“We have seen significant advances in companies meeting leakage targets and maintaining a good quality and consistent supply, but we expect companies to be particularly active on leakage at times of drought.

“When we ask water customers, most accept that there are times when restrictions on non-essential use are necessary, but want clear rules in place so they know what they can and can’t do.

“We accept that this is an issue which can create strong feelings with some consumers. We will be monitoring United Utilities closely to ensure that their consumers are being well-served and given as much information as possible during and after the hosepipe ban.”

“Consumers can help by considering simple ways to use water wisely. Fixing dripping taps, installing a water saving device in toilets, taking showers rather than baths and using washing up water to water the garden are all great ways to be more water efficient.”

Ends

Notes for editors

1. Further information on the areas affected by the ban can be found on United Utilities’ website www.unitedutilities.com
2. Consumers can report any leaks on roads or footpaths to United Utilities on 0800 33 00 33.
3. The Consumer Council for Water was set up in October 2005 to represent consumers in England and Wales.
4. The Consumer Council for Water costs each water customer 23p per year.
5. The Consumer Council for Water has gained £135 million from water companies in reduced prices and extra investments.
6. The Consumer Council for Water has to date taken up over 75,000 consumer complaints about water and sewerage companies, and secured £9.6 million in compensation and rebates for customers.
7. The Consumer Council for Water is a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Assembly Government. It has a committee for Wales, and four regional committees in England.
8. Our website is www.ccwater.org.uk.