The water sector has responded to social distancing during coronavirus with the closure of many outdoor assets.
Across the sector, companies have also been offering reassurances that services will remain intact and vulnerable customers will be prioritised. Customers are being urged to register as vulnerable with their water company to be eligible for additional assistance, particularly those that would not have previously considered they fitted the category.
Northumbrian has decided to close its open spaces to discourage the public from making unnecessary journeys away from their homes. Similarly, Yorkshire has shut the car parks at its reservoirs and is asking people to “stay away for a little while”.
Anglian made a swift U-turn on its decision to waive car parking charges, which chief executive Peter Simpson had said he hoped would help “keep people healthy by making good use of these huge open areas of countryside.” However, within a day of this the company closed its parks and open spaces as well as cancelling all public events until the end of June.
United Utilities said its reservoirs and outdoor spaces “were heaving” over the weekend and because of fears that people were mixing in large numbers it has also closed its car parks. However, sites with open access remain available for people observing social distancing.
Water UK supported the move and said for sites that remain open, strict social distancing rules will be enforced and their opening will be reviewed daily.
Meanwhile Affinity Water has unveiled a range of financial aid available to help anyone who may struggle to pay their bills now.
The company will offer payment breaks, reduced costs and the option to spread payments for households.
Chief executive Pauline Walsh encouraged any customer who needs financial help to get in touch and those with existing health issues to register for priority services.
She said: “We have put our robust continuity plans into action and our employees and supply chain are working very hard to ensure we continue to support our customers and communities at this time”.
Affinity reassured its customers that World Health Organisation (WHO) advice showed chlorination of water killed the virus so the supply was safe.
Where households have been unable to buy toilet paper there has been a growing concern that the fatberg problem will get worse if people flush wipes and paper towels.
“It’s too early to say what impact the outbreak has had on our sewers but, as always, we’d urge everyone to only flush the 3Ps – pee, poo and paper – to help avoid problems,” said Steve Wilson, managing director of wastewater at Welsh Water said in a plea to the public.
Northern Ireland Water, which provides all water and wastewater services for the country, said it was ready for the challenge of coronavirus.
Chief executive of NI Water Sara Venning, said: “NI Water has a well-tested major incident response regime in place to respond to operational emergencies,” but asked for patience from the public.
She said the company relies on a team of people to maintain the network and keep the water flowing. The “can do attitude” of the team, Venning said, made them ready for the challenge.