Water Pressure

We must supply water at a pressure which will ensure the water reaches the highest storey of every building unless the building is at such a height that water will not flow to it by gravitation from our service reservoir or tank.  We aim to provide a higher standard of service than this but there are still a few areas where the pressure does not reach the minimum standard.

If your property is within 10.5 meteres of the draw-off level of the service reservoir or tank supplying it, we can require you to install a cistern with a float-operated valve capable of holding sufficient water to provide an adequate supply for 24 hours.  Any dispute arising from such a requirement may be referred to OFWAT for determination.

In most cases, you can expect to receive a minimum water pressure of 15 metres at the stop tap outside your property.  This means that water will rise and fill a storage tank at second floor roof level.  Usually, it will also mean that it takes approximately 30 seconds to fill a one gallon bucket from your kitchen tap.  However, if your home is some distance from our main or the pipe connecting your home to our water main is old and corroded, it may take longer.