What happens when we're made aware of an incident:

1. Issue is reported An issue is reported by a customer or is picked up in our network which notifies us there is a problem.	2. Inspector investigates An inspector is despatched to locate the issue whilst our office-teams look to determine the impact to customers.
3. Relevant teams mobilised We identify the issue and mobilise the right expertise to fix the problem and provide you with support.	4. If possible, water is rerouted Our experts will investigate if we can reroute water from another part of the network or use tankers to add water directly into our network, to bring you back into water if you don’t have any.
5. If a burst, excavation begins For everyone’s safety we’ll need to assess what’s underground. We may need to put in place traffic measures or let the emergency services know of road closures.	6. Pipe repaired, ground restored Digging to the leak may take time depending on what other utilities are located near our pipe. The type of damage will influence how long the repair will be and what is needed to fix it.
7. Water slowly returned to pipe Once repaired we need to slowly re-fill the water pipe to ensure there’s not a surge of pressure which can cause a further burst.	8. Water restored to homes Once we're happy the pipe is repaired and coping under the water pressure, we will start water flowing to homes again.

Emergency interruptions to your water supply

If we have to carry out emergency repairs affecting your water supply, we’ll restore the supply within 12 hours of becoming aware of the interruption. If we fail to restore your supply within these times, we’ll automatically pay you £30*, plus an additional £30* for each further 12-hour period your supply remains unrestored.

Repeated burst mains

If your water supply is interrupted three or more times in any 12-month period due to a burst main, you may be entitled to make a claim, you can read further information in Our Customer Promise.

 *3rd party damage wouldn’t qualify for the £30.

Priority service customers

In the event of an emergency interruption to the supply, for example, a burst water main, our priority is to restore the supply to all customers as soon as possible. Priority Services customers who have signed up to receive a telephone call in an emergency, will receive a call to advise of the situation.

If you, or someone in your house, has a medical condition that requires constant access to a water supply, or you would find it difficult to reach an alternative supply during a mains interruption, then sign up to our Priority Services Register.

Our Priority Services are free, and you don't need to be the bill payer to register.