Planned Interuptions To My Water Supply Information

What Should I Expect When the Water Board Plans to Turn My Water Off & Emergency Plumber Guide

This guidance is relevant to residents of England, with separate advice available for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Planned Interruptions to Your Water Supply:

In the event of a planned interruption to your water supply that exceeds four hours, your water company is obligated to provide you with a 48-hour written notice. They must reinstate the water supply by the specified time in the notice. Failure to do so typically entitles you to a compensation of £20. Similarly, if you did not receive the 48-hour notification, you are usually entitled to the same amount of compensation. If this compensation is not received within 20 working days, you are eligible for an additional £20.

Emergency Interruptions to Your Water Supply:

Emergency scenarios, such as a burst main water pipe, require your water company to restore service within 12 hours after discovery of the issue. For interruptions involving a strategic main pipe, the timeframe extends to 48 hours. It is the company's responsibility to promptly inform you about alternative water sources, anticipated restoration times, and provide a contact number for further information.

Should the restoration exceed its due time, compensation typically includes £20 for the first 24 hours, followed by £10 for each additional 24-hour period. If the compensation is delayed beyond 20 working days, an additional £20 is owed to you.

For disruptions lasting beyond 12 hours, your water company should supply an alternative water source, such as bottled water or street tankers.

Special Considerations for Medical Needs:

If you require a constant water supply for health reasons, contact your water company to be added to their 'priority services' list. This service is available if you have a condition such as reliance on dialysis or a feeding pump, or if you are disabled, of State Pension age, experiencing mental health challenges, have sensory impairments, or are undergoing significant personal hardship.

When Compensation Does Not Apply:

There are scenarios where compensation may not be applicable, such as interruptions caused by extreme weather or industrial action by water company employees.

Emergency Plumber and Water Company Contact:

In case of immediate water service issues, contacting an emergency plumber can be crucial. Furthermore, you can determine your area's water provider and additional information on signing up for priority services through the CCW website.