Northumbrian Water

Northumbrian Water provides water and sewerage services to almost two million properties in the North East of England.

Northumbrian Water, along with Essex and Suffolk Water, is part of Northumbrian Water Ltd as a result of a merger April 2000. Together the two companies have 2,259 staff.

Northumbrian Water derives 95% of its water from rivers and reservoirs and the other 5% from boreholes and aquifers (source: Drinking Water Inspectorate). Water is then supplied via 35 water treatment plants, 242 service reservoirs and 16,789km of water mains.

Northumbrian Water collects waste water via 437 sewage treatment works, 683 sewage pumping stations and 15,484 km of sewers.

To be classed as wholesome, water must comply with the water quality standards set out in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989.

In 2003 198,350 tests were carried out on samples taken by Northumbrian Water. 99.92% of these tests complied with the Regulations (source: http://www.dwi.gov.uk).

Northumbrian Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Northumbrian Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Northumbrian Water's code of practice sets out the level of service that domestic customers can expect, such as response times to queries and complaints and notification of service interruptions. If Northumbrian Water fails to meet this level then customers may be entitled to compensation.