Luton’s MP Rachel Hopkins says she has been assured water pressure has returned to normal after raising residents’ concerns with Affinity Water following widespread disruption during the recent heatwave.
The Luton South and South Bedfordshire MP met with the water company after receiving complaints from constituents about reduced water pressure across parts of the town.
According to Ms Hopkins, Affinity Water said the issues were caused by a combination of factors, including a 25 per cent increase in demand for water during the hot weather, dry ground leading to more leaks and burst water mains and the use of water supplies to tackle local field fires.
She said the company had been forced to act quickly because of the unprecedented heatwave, which significantly reduced water pressure in many areas of Luton.
In a social media update following the meeting, Ms Hopkins said: “Following a number of concerns raised by residents across Luton South and South Bedfordshire, I met with Affinity Water yesterday for an update on local water supplies and to raise constituents’ questions.
“They informed me of additional pressures due to the heatwave, caused by: 25 per cent increased demand for water, dry ground leading to more leaks and burst mains, and response to local field fires using water supplies.
“As a result of this, Affinity Water were forced to act quickly due to the unprecedented heatwave we have experienced, which in turn significantly reduced water pressure across many areas of Luton.
“I have been reassured that pressure should now have returned to normal, but if you continue to experience issues please do get in touch.”
The MP also urged elderly and vulnerable residents, people with disabilities and families with young children to sign up to Affinity Water’s Priority Services Register, which provides additional support to eligible customers.
Ms Hopkins reminded residents that the hosepipe ban introduced by Affinity Water remains in force.
Under the temporary restrictions, customers are not allowed to use hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, windows or patios, or fill swimming and paddling pools. Customers on the Priority Services Register, those on the WaterSure tariff and Blue Badge holders are exempt from the restrictions.
The hosepipe ban, the first introduced by Affinity Water since 2012, was brought in following prolonged hot, dry weather and increased demand for water across the region.
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