25 May 2010
Water pressure to the vast majority of Wallasey residents on the Wirral has been maintained today (Tuesday, May 25) but some residents on higher ground may still be experiencing intermittent low water pressure.
Engineers will work through the night to prepare the faulty 36" valve which is at the centre of the problem for repair tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 26).
United Utilities said repairing the valve, which is in a farmers' field, adjacent to Ford Road on the Beechwood estate, would be a major engineering challenge due to its size (around the size of a small family car), depth and proximity to overhead electricity lines.
This evening giant tankers - drafted in from Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent - backed-up by United Utilities' super tankers, will continue to pump thousands of litres of clean, chlorinated water directly into the mains to maintain supplies.
Eight tankers are pumping round the clock to maintain water levels at Gorsehill Service Reservoir.
As a result call volumes have reduced considerably.
Overhead high-voltage power lines around the repair site were isolated by Scottish Power this afternoon to make way for tomorrow night's repairs.
However there is no effect on power supplies, which will be maintained at all times.
Gary Dixon, Customer Services Director said: "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.
"Call volumes have reduced considerably today, which would indicate that the pressure in the network is holding by use of the tankers.
"We are monitoring the situation very closely as we move to the phase of repairing the faulty 36" valve tomorrow night.
"If anyone experiences low water pressure please call us on 0845 746 2200 and we will respond.
"We thank our customers for their continued patience and apologise sincerely for all the inconvenience.
"We would like to reassure customers that we are doing everything we can."
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.
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