The North East water company has pledged to reduce leakage across its network by 15% over the next few years, through significant investment and an innovative approach. Customers can play a key role in this by reporting leaks as soon as they see them, and the new interactive leak map lets them do this quickly and easily. It can be accessed by visiting www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk/leaks.
The interactive map which shows reported leaks on the Northumbrian Water network, which customers can use this to find if a leak has already been reported, and check the progress of the repair. If it hasn′t been reported they can then make their report online, which is passed directly to an advisor.
The map also features tools to help customers describe the type of leak they have seen, and they can even upload photos so it can be identified and prioritised for repairs. Once a leak has been reported it will be included on the interactive map, and updates will be provided until a repair has been completed.
Eliane Algaard, Water Director for Northumbrian Water said: "We are firmly committed to driving down leakage across our network and have set ourselves an ambitious target of reducing it by 15% by 2025. To achieve this we are making a significant investment into finding and fixing leaks, and taking an innovative approach. We are putting more resources into hunting down leaks so we can get them repaired as quickly as possible, and our customers can really help us by reporting anything they spot to us.
"The new interactive map allows our customers to check whether we already on the case with a leak they have spotted, and report it to us quickly and easily if not. We are also committed to keeping our customers updated on our progress, so once a leak has been reported they can track the repair right through to completion."
The interactive map website also include lots of useful information on what happens once a leak is reported, and what customers should do if they find a leak on their own supply.
Emergency leaks, such as those causing flooding or damage to properties, vehicles or the road surface, should still be reported by calling the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0800 393 084.
Northumbrian Water′s commitment to reduce leakage across its network by 15% by 2025 is part of its ‘Our Plan′ for 2020-2025, which is currently being assessed by industry regulator, OFWAT. The company is currently working on a number of innovative approaches to reducing leakage, including using satellite technology to capture images which can be used to detect leaks, which can then be passed on to leakage technicians on the ground.