24 May 2010
Homes in the Wallasey area of Wirral are being kept on water supplies this evening (Monday, May 24) using water tankers, as engineers continue to repair a water valve on a pipe, in a farmer's field, adjacent to Ford Road on the Beechwood Estate.
The giant tankers, which hold thousands of litres of clean, chlorinated water, are pumping directly into the mains, to keep homes supplied.
Two of the tankers are pumping continuously in to the local network in at Wallasey Village, to assist customers on higher ground experiencing very poor pressure.
The repair work to the valve, which is located in a farmer's field adjacent to Ford Road on the Beechwood Estate, is a major engineering challenge for the firm, due to the size of the valve, the depth of the excavation required and its proximity to overhead electricity lines.
Gary Dixon, United Utilities' customer services director said: "Our engineers are working round the clock to repair this damaged valve, so that we can return things to normal. In the meantime, the water tankers are keeping local homes supplied.
"We have had calls from customers today reporting only a trickle of water coming from their taps - but the number of calls of this nature has reduced considerably over the course of the day - as pressure continues to build up in the pipe network. We are monitoring the situation closely, and would ask anyone still experiencing low water pressure to call us on 0845 746 2200.
"Once again, we apologise sincerely for any continuing inconvenience, and would like to reassure customers that we are doing everything possible to return things to normal."
More bottled water supplies have been brought to the area as a precaution, and will be distributed if required.
United Utilities has confirmed that compensation will be paid to those affected by the incident, and to customers in Moreton, Leasowe, and Wallasey areas of Wirral who were affected by a water loss incident last week.
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