Introduction
Are you experiencing interruptions to your water supply? Knowing your rights and how to seek compensation is crucial in these situations. This guide will help you understand the necessary steps to take when faced with planned or emergency water supply disruptions. If you need assistance navigating these issues, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and support. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK to resolve your concerns effectively.
Having access to clean water is essential for our daily lives. Water companies are obligated to provide a consistent supply of water, but sometimes interruptions occur due to repairs or emergencies, like a burst pipe. If this happens to you, it’s important to know your rights and whether you can receive compensation.
Planned Water Supply Interruptions
If your water company plans to interrupt your water supply for more than 4 hours, they must notify you in writing at least 48 hours in advance. They are also required to restore your supply by the time stated in their notice.
If they fail to restore your water supply as promised, you may be entitled to compensation of £20. You can also claim this amount if you didn’t receive the required notice.
If you don’t receive your compensation within 20 working days, you can claim an additional £20.
Emergency Water Supply Interruptions
In cases of emergencies, such as a burst main water pipe, your water company must work to restore your supply within 12 hours of being made aware of the issue. If the problem is with a major pipe, they have up to 48 hours to fix it.
During an emergency interruption, your water company should inform you about:
- Where you can find alternative water sources
- When they expect to restore your supply
- A contact number for more information
Compensation for Delayed Restoration
If your water supply isn’t restored on time, you may be entitled to compensation:
- £20 for the first 24 hours
- £10 for each additional 24-hour period until your supply is restored
If you don’t receive this payment within 20 working days, you can claim an extra £20.
Alternative Water Supply
If your water supply is interrupted for more than 12 hours, your water company should provide you with an alternative source, such as bottled water or tankers in your area.
Special Considerations for Medical Needs
If you rely on a constant water supply for medical reasons, such as dialysis or using a feeding pump, contact your water company to be added to their ‘priority services’ list. You may also qualify for priority services if you:
- Are disabled or have a long-term health condition
- Have reached State Pension age
- Experience mental health issues
- Have hearing or visual impairments
- Are going through a tough time, such as the loss of a loved one or job loss
You can usually find information on how to sign up for priority services on your water company’s website. For more details, you can also visit the CCW website.
When Compensation Might Not Be Available
There are situations where you may not be eligible for compensation, even if your water supply is interrupted. For example, interruptions caused by:
- Severe weather conditions
- Industrial action by the water company’s employees
How to Contact Your Water Company
If you need to reach out to your water company regarding interruptions or compensation, you can find out which company serves your area by visiting the CCW website.
Understanding your rights and knowing what to do when your water supply is interrupted can help you navigate these frustrating situations more effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your water company if you have any concerns or need assistance! For personalized guidance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide clarity and help you resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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