Thousands face water chaos
Thousands of homeowners face having their water supply cut in a bid to limit major leakages across London.
Thames Water, labelled the most inefficient water company in Britain, wants to reduce water pressure to minimise the leaks.
But councils warn this could lead to serious problems in properties with roof extensions - as well as for residents living higher than the third floor in mansion or tower blocks.
The pressure may become too low to operate "combination" boilers, provide running water, flush lavatories and fill roof-top tanks.
Thames Water blames high pressures for causing leaks and bursts. Its plans come at a time when London water bills are due to rise by 16 per cent, taking the average annual levy to £245 by 2010.
The company is now facing strong opposition from London councils after the proposals emerged to cut water pressure to thousands of homes and businesses. A trial has already begun in the Woodford area, affecting homes in Waltham Forest, Newham, Enfield and Haringey.
Five high-rise blocks have been hit in Newham, with a further 25 expected to get caught in the second phase.
Waltham Forest says 1,650 of its properties have been affected by low pressure, forcing it to spend ?2million rectifying the problem.
Further reductions are planned in eight more boroughs - Hammersmith and Fulham, Croydon, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of London.
They have already spent £2.5 million fitting water pumps to ensure consistent supplies to their residents. However, the bill could rise to £100 million if Thames continues the initiative across London.
The company has decided to act after leaking 925million litres a day - equivalent to 266 litres per customer. Alongside this, it is replacing more than 1,000 miles of the capital's Victorian water mains in the next five years.
Islington councillor Jyoti Vaja said: "Every day tenants ring me because they have no water - they can't even flush their toilet. London councils are spending millions on new pumps because of Thames Water's failure."
A spokesman said the company had come under pressure from industry regulator Ofwat to reduce leaks.
Its eight million drinking-water customers were placing greater strain on the supply at a time when climate changes and increases in population meant demand would increase.
The spokesman said: "The pressures across London are inconsistent. These high pressures can cause a lot of bursts and leaks in the system."
