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Water quality Q&A

• I have low water pressure, what should I do?
• Water pressure in the mains network is not always constant throughout the day. It changes in response to demand for water being placed on the distribution system - this is normal. In addition, routine maintenance and improvements to our mains network or burst mains can temporarily reduce pressure. This should disappear within a day or so unless we advise you otherwise. If you have a concern about your water pressure you can contact us on 0800 389 1011.

• How is my water treated?
• Water treatment varies depending on the source of water to be treated. Borehole sources are simple treatment sources, whereas surface water treatment works have very complex processes that include clarification, filtration and absorption. (More information about water treatment.)

• Who is responsible for my water supply?
• The water company is responsible for the water it supplies to your property.

• Who is responsible for the sewerage in my property?
• South Staffordshire Water is responsible for tap water only, all sewerage matters are the responsibility of Severn Trent

• Where does my water come from?
• The company area is divided into 19 water quality supply zones. The supply of water to your property depends on which water quality zone your property is in.

• Which water quality supply zone do I live in?
• Find your water quality supply zone.

• I spilt petrol on my drive, can this get into my water supply pipe?
• It is possible to contaminate the underground water supply pipe to the house with hydrocarbon fuels such as leaked oil, petrol or other oil based substances.

• How do you test for water quality?
• Water samples are collected for analysis from all stages of distribution including treatment works, reservoirs and randomly selected customers' taps. The analysis broadly falls into three catergories. These are: Bacteriological, Physio-chemical and Aesthetics such as taste, odour and colour.

• Who is responsible for the pipework?
• The part of the pipe from the water main in the street to the property boundary, including the main stop tap and meter is our responsibility whilst all other pipes and fittings belong to the property owner.

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