Water pressure drop could cost homeowners thousands (Dee Doocey)

Water pressure drop could cost homeowners thousands

January 25, 2005 12:00 AM

London Assembly Liberal Democrat member, Dee Doocey, today warned that any local residents who either live above the second floor or own a property that has three or more floors, could face massive costs from installing water pumps because of Thames Waters' decision to reduce water pressure across London.

The Lib Dems are also warning that homeowners who rely on 'combination boilers' will also have to find costly alternative ways to pump water round their homes as the pressure drop will stop them working properly.

The warning came following a London Assembly Health Committee meeting in which Thames Water executives were quizzed about the effects on Londoners their proposed reduction in water pressure would have.

Liberal Democrat London Assembly Health Spokesperson, Dee Doocey, said:

"The effects of the decision by Thames Water to reduce pressure across the capital could leave many Londoners facing a bill of thousands of pounds to install a pump to boost water pressure.

"The pressure drop will also have devastating implications for schools and hospitals across the local area. It could mean money that should have been given to front line services will have to be spent to install pumps to keep water flowing around their buildings.

"It is deeply worrying that Thames Water hasn't even engaged in a proper assessment of how many people will be affected by this pressure reduction strategy or developed an estimate of the financial implications for households and local authorities across the capital. They are refusing to face up to their responsibilities as a public service provider.

"Meanwhile, water customers across the capital are left paying the price of this complacency, not once but twice. Coupled with the costs of booster pumps, water bills are also expected to rise by about 13per cent above the rate of inflation over the next five years. Being forced to pay for an appalling service whilst Thames Water continue to rake in massive profits and pay huge director salaries cannot be allowed to continue. Thames Water must be held to account."