For almost a week much of Abingdon has experienced fluctuations in water pressure due to a burst water main in Culham. At its worst, last Wednesday, Abingdon School had to bring in portaloos.
Elsewhere bottled water was laid on as some houses were getting some odd smelling water caused by a compound used in lining the pipes.
During the week Thames Water diverting water from other sources while the water main was being repaired – causing fluctuating pressure. I gather water pressure has returned to normal in the last day or so.
Don’t know if this is at all related but yesterday there was water bubbling up from a man hole in Ock Street opposite the War Memorial
My water pressure has been variable for a while. The last contact from Thames Water was a note through door, that they planned to fit a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure, times of high pressure. (In the past my meter blew a gasket when the pressure spiked).
All water companies want to reduce pressure in general to minimize leaks. This is because not enough investment has been/is being made on repairs and renewal of the ‘water-delivery infrastructure’. When it comes to a choice between customer service versus share dividends and directors’ bonuses their isn’t really a choice, is there …
This is what happens when you sell public services which are systemic to the good functioning of society to venal commercial monopolies.
I thought the pressure was kept high so that any leakage was out of the clean water pipe so nothing nasty could leak in from similarly leaky sewage pipes … urban myth?
During this water problem, be aware that a company selling water filters and systems is taking water samples in the area and talking to people. They are not associated with Thames Water in any way. Please ask to see an identity badge if you are at all concerned when talking to someone claiming to be a water company representative.