Dry ground damages pipes

02/08/2006

After a prolonged period of hot dry weather, ground movement is inevitable. We can see this in our cracked lawns and sometimes in patios and paved areas.

This movement can also have an effect on the water pipes that run underground. Although the newer plastic pipes are more flexible and less likely to react, older pipes can break, leading to leaks and bursts.

Essex & Suffolk Water employees are on call round the clock and despite the increase in bursts this summer, are managing to identify, isolate and repair the burst pipes promptly.

‘We do have to give priority to major bursts,’ said John Devall, Essex & Suffolk Water’s  director of operations. ‘This can mean that some customers have to wait before they see any action on the smaller repairs. We do apologise if this causes them some inconvenience . 0ur commitment is to fix damaged or leaking pipes as soon as we can so that disruption to customers is minimised and, importantly, we are helping to protect a precious resource.’

Although modern technology and control systems help  Essex & Suffolk Water quickly identify a change in  the distribution network which could be caused by a burst pipe, smaller leaks are harder to monitor.  If customers do spot water standing in or running along the road that isn’t a result of rainfall, they are asked to call the company’s leakline on 0800 526 337 (24 hour freephone).

‘We currently have the lowest leakage rate in the country,’ said John Devall. ‘ We are working hard to   maintain that position and customers can help identify where they believe water is going to waste by alerting us to leaks that our systems might not have picked up.  This sustained dry weather is putting considerable pressure on our systems but with customers continued support in using water wisely, we aim to maintain supplies without the need for any restrictions.’

For further information please call Monica Greenwood on 01245 212 368.