Key workers keep North West' water flowing

Caption: The wastewater response team are out and about unblocking sewers, helping to keep the toilets flushing

United Utilities staff are continuing to keep the North West’s water running during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The Government has officially designated water and sewerage workers as ‘key workers’ in a critical public service – and as a result thousands of water personnel have continued to be out on UK’s streets carrying out critical maintenance, laying new pipes, finding and fixing leaks and unblocking sewers.

Water company staff are among the army of key workers making sure the UK continues to have the vital services it needs.

Given the importance of water for public health, especially at this time, the water industry is putting all its efforts into maintaining water supplies and sewerage services. The industry put pandemic plans into action two months ago to ensure that they could continue to provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water for everyone. 

United Utilities Customer Services Director Louise Beardmore said:

“Please help us to help you. If you see our employees out on the streets during this difficult time, why not give them a wave to show your support for the vital work they do to keep our water supplies flowing.

“We’re working for you, to maintain our networks and deal with any problems that come up, and water company employees are officially designated as key workers by the Government. But if you do see someone repairing a pipe or dealing with a leak, please don’t approach them. In line with Government advice, like everyone else we’re all practising social distancing – our priority is to keep customers and colleagues safe. So please keep your distance and our essential workers will carry on with their essential work for you.”

As well as being a visible presence on the streets, United Utilities has stepped up efforts to help customers who have lost their jobs or had their incomes cut during the coronavirus crisis. Key call centre employees are either working from home or answering telephones in specially adapted call centre hubs in Warrington and Whitehaven, helping arrange payment assistance schemes for households suffering from immediate or short-term financial issues.

Louise Beardmore added: “We’re here to help our customers at this difficult time.  If you or someone you know needs a bit of extra help or assistance because of age or vulnerability then please get in touch with us.”

There is more information about the assistance available for customers on the United Utilities website at https://www.unitedutilities.com/Coronavirus-update/.