The Consumer Council for Water Wales Committee is inviting members of the public to its next meeting at the Galeri in Caernarfon on Tuesday 25 January. The Committee will be discussing the performance of water companies in Wales during the past year, particularly taking account of numbers of complaints. Investment to help reduce flood risk in Wales will also be reviewed.

Diane McCrea, Chair of the Wales Committee of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Just one inch of rain falling across one square mile generates 66 million litres of rainwater. That’s the same as about seven million toilet flushes all at once. If that rain water falls on non permeable surfaces, such as cement or tarmac, it’s often water company pipes and drains that have to clear the water away. Water customers pay for this service as part of their sewage bills.”

“If, in heavy rainfall, a water company’s drainage system can’t cope it can result in surface flooding. During our meeting in public we will be challenging D?r Cymru Welsh Water about whether its systems are fit for purpose.”

“We will also look at where companies must make improvements for the benefit of their customers based on recent company performance reports from the water services regulator, Ofwat. In addition we will be questioning companies on the interruptions of water supply due to cold weather.”

“Holding our meeting in public is one way in which we can listen to local people and hear what they think of their water company. We will be able to take up unresolved complaints and issues on their behalf, challenging companies to address customers’ concerns, and take meaningful actions to satisfy them.”

The Consumer Council for Water is inviting customers of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Dee Valley to come along to the meeting to raise issues about any aspect of the service from either company.

Representatives from both water companies will be on hand to respond. The meeting will run from 11.30 am to 3.40 pm on Tuesday 25 January at the Galeri, Caernarfon, LL55 1SQ.; Customers who would prefer to speak in Welsh are encouraged to do so, but please let us know ahead of time so that we can provide translation. To confirm your attendance in advance call the Consumer Council for Water Wales office on 0292 023 9852.