Thousands of homes left without water

Water supplies were cut off in thousands of Rochdale homes on Sunday 19 November. Many were without water for up to 14 hours and when the supply was restored pressure was still badly affected.

United Utilities have now fixed the problem but are investigating why their remote  monitoring system did not alert them.

A spokesman said: "Water supplies to 12,000 properties in Rochdale were affected from 10.30am on Sunday.  We traced the problem to the local water treatment works which had stopped producing water.  We are investigating why our remote monitoring system did not alert us to this problem.

"The plant was restarted by 12.00 noon and water supplies were restored to most customers by 5.00pm.  It took longer for water pressure to reach a small number of properties on higher ground in the Wardle area, but their supplies were restored by 2am Monday morning.

"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

Under the OFWAT Guaranteed Standards Scheme if there is an unplanned interruption to the supply, due to a burst main for example, the company must restore the supply within 12 hours unless the burst or leak is in a strategic main in which case the company has up to 48 hours. A 'strategic main' is a major water main which supplies the area.

In addition to these guaranteed standards, companies must also, as soon as possible, take all reasonable steps to inform customers:

• Where an alternative supply may be obtained
• Where supplies will be restricted
• A telephone number where the customer can obtain more information.

If the supply is not restored within the time(s) given above, domestic customers are entitled to a compensation payment of £20 plus a further £10 for each 24-hour period the supply remains unrestored. Business customers are entitled to £50 plus a further £25 for each 24-hour period the supply remains unrestored.

For further details visit the OFWAT web site: http://www.ofwat.gov.uk

Date article online: 21/11/2006