§ Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to ensure that water companies meet their water leakage targets and maintain enough water pressure for fire fighting; [35388]
(2) what statutory obligations are placed on water companies to maintain adequate water pressure for fire fighting; [35387]
(3) which water companies in respect of which areas have reduced the mains water pressure since 1991. [35386]
§ Angela EagleWater companies continually monitor and alter the water pressures in their systems to meet prevailing circumstances in their areas. Under section 65 of the Water Industry Act 1991, water companies have a duty to ensure that water in mains which serve domestic properties or have fire hydrants fixed on them will normally be supplied at sufficient pressure to reach the top most storey of every building within their area. The Director General of Water Services has a duty to ensure that companies meet these provisions of the 1991 Act. Where water companies reduce pressure as one means of reducing leakage, they must still meet the requirements of the Act.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is(a) the average pressure in water supplies made available to the London Fire Brigade by Thames Water and (b) the (i) optimal and (ii) minimum required level for operational efficiency; [35351]
(2) what was the average pressure in water supplies made available by Thames Water to the London Fire Brigade in each of the last 10 years. [35352]
§ Angela EagleThe average pressure of water in the mains in London is between 15 and 30 static head. There has been no appreciable variation in the pressure in the last 10 years.
For operational purposes, the London Fire Brigade requires a minimum flow rate from a hydrant of approximately 760 litres per minute. At present, they do not have any difficulty with flow rates.