Water pressure drop could cost homeowners thousands

28.1.05

London Liberal Democrats 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 Water’s decision to reduce water pressure across London.

The Lib Dems are also warning homeowners with ‘combination boilers’ they may have to find costly alternative ways to pump water in their homes as the pressure drop could stop them working properly.

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, commented,

"This latest decision by Thames Water beggars belief. This could have a devastating effect for some households across Kingston and Surbiton.

"The effects will be random but could effect schools and even hospitals that will have to divert money away from frontline services to install pumps to maintain water flow."

"Thames Water hasn’t even engaged in a proper assessment of how many people will be affected by this 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.

"This problem only emerge as Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly questioned Thames Water over their plans in the capital. So I’m following this up to try to stop this threat and am demanding to meet with Thames Water. Being forced to pay over the average for a service which is way below average is simply unacceptable."