Report leaks on twitter says water company

Thames Water has been using twitter for a while now but has from today (December 6) announced plans to let customers report details of burst or leaking pipes.

The firm, which is UK’s largest water company, wants customers to ‘tweet a leak’ giving the area and if possible a picture in a bid to help it tackle leakage this winter.

Following a week of freezing weather the company has reported twice the normal amount of the amount of bursts on its ageing 20,000-mile network of pipes due to the current freezing weather.

At this time of year the company expects to receive 75 new reports of burst of leaking pipes a day but it is currently getting an average of 185.

Thames Water’s head of operational control, Jerry White, said: “Our customers are our eyes and ears and we really need their help in the fight against leakage this winter.

“We have been communicating with customers via Twitter for some time now and recognise that it’s becoming a preferred route to contact us.

“So when you tweeters are out and about and spot a leak or burst, please tweet it – pull out your smart phone and tell us what’s happening and where, using the #tweetaleak hash, tag so we can get on and fix it.”

Mr White also pointed out that Thames Water has cut leakage by 27% between 2005 and 2010.

Luke Walsh