25 May 2010
Giant tankers are continuing to pump thousands of litres of clean, chlorinated water directly into the mains around Wallasey this morning (Tuesday May 25) as engineers from United Utilities work round the clock on a faulty water valve.
Some residents living on higher ground in the Wallasey area are still experiencing intermittent low water pressure. However, today extra water tankers are being drafted in from Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water, backed-up by United Utilities' super tankers, to help maintain supplies.
Specialist engineers from United Utilities are working on the 36" valve, in a farmer's field, adjacent to Ford Road on the Beechwood estate. Heavy lifting equipment has been brought on site to start the repair to the valve, which is around the size of a family car.
Overhead high voltage power lines will need to be isolated, but Scottish Power, which is the electricity distribution company for the Wirral, said there will be no effect on power supplies, which will be maintained at all times.
"Two of the tankers are pumping continuously in to the local network at Wallasey Village, to assist customers on higher ground experiencing very poor pressure," Gary Dixon, director of customer services, said.
"The repair work to the valve 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," Mr Dixon added.
"We're working round the clock, so that we can return things to normal. In the meantime, the water tankers are keeping local homes supplied."
Mr Dixon confirmed, "Call volumes have reduced considerably overnight, which would indicate that the pressure in the network is holding by use of the tankers.
"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 as 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.
ends