16/2/2009 - Multi-agency update: Water supplies in Carlisle

A burst main water pipe in Carlisle has now been successfully repaired by United Utilities and water supplies are being restored across the city.

Tap water may be discoloured into tomorrow due to the natural sediment which sits in all water pipes being disturbed. Households with discoloured tap water should flush toilets and run downstairs taps for two or three minutes to see if the water clears. If it does not, then they should try again in an hour or so.

United Utilities are also 'flushing through' the water supplies using hydrants across the city which should help the water run clear as soon as possible.

The discoloured water is safe to use for cooking, washing and making tea or coffee. However people may prefer not to drink it directly from the tap due to the discolouring.

Twelve water bowsers have been stationed across the city to provide drinking water in the following locations:

Lowry Hill Road, opposite Lowry Gardens

Moorville Drive, adjacent to No40 Moorville Road Windsor Way, adjacent to Askerton Drive Newfield Drive, adjacent to no.7 Knowe Road, adjacent to Stanwix School Knowfield Avenue, adjacent to no.27 Longlands Rd, adjacent to no.87 Etterby Lea Road, adjacent to no.87 Houghton Village, adjacent to The Green Kingmoor Road, adjacent to The Redfern public house Hartley Avenue, adjacent to The Spice Enterprise Indian Restaurant Junction of Brampton Road and Houghton Road

Vulnerable people have also been contacted this evening to check they have sufficient supplies and a small number of homes plus two residential care homes in North Carlisle are receiving deliveries of bottled water this evening.

Public sector agencies in Cumbria including the county council, police, fire and rescue service and health authorities have been working together to minimise disruption to local people and assess the impact of the problem.

The water supply in Carlisle was affected due to a damaged water main just before 9am this morning. United Utilities have been working throughout the day to repair the damage. 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332