Durham Water: Quality, Meters & Contact Details
If you have just moved or have some Durham water questions, in this guide you will be able to find out who provides the water for both your supply and also the sewage and wastewater services. Additionally, we have tips on Durham's water hardness, and what to do in the event that you encounter a water-related issue.
Durham Water Supplier
Durham Water is supplied by one water company, Northumbrian Water. Here are the main Durham water supplier contact details:
| Water Company | Phone Number | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| Northumbrian Water | 0345 733 5566 | Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-1pm |
Durham sewerage and wastewater is also handled by Northumbrian Water.
| Water Company | Phone Number | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| Northumbrian Water | 0345 717 1100 | 24/7 |
Be aware that calls to numbers starting with 03 may be charged at local rates by your phone company.
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Water Rates Durham
The rates for water in Durham will depend on whether your home has a water meter or not. You can find this out by taking a look at your water bill. Homes with metered Durham water rates will have a meter number listed on their water bills. Alternately if you have just moved in or otherwise don't have a bill available, you can look for a meter in your property. These are usually located either in the garden or next to the water stop tap.
Homes that are not metered won't have water rates, but they will have the rateable value in their place. The rateable value part of your Durham water rates will have been determined by the local council in the 90s and most likely will not have changed since. This value is subject to review every 5 years and is based on factors such as property size, location, and the availability of local services.
The average Water Rates Durham water residents are being charged result in an average water bill of around £390 a year. This amount combines both water supply and sewerage costs.
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Durham Water Hardness
Durham water hardness is rated as soft. While rainwater itself is relatively soft, water hardness can change through the water cycle. Due to the way water filters through rocks in Northumbrian Water's supply area, Durham picks up minerals, such as magnesium or calcium, on the way to your tap. Durham's soft water rating means that your energy bills will be more efficient, and your water will be more effective at tasks such as washing clothes or dishes in comparison to homes that have a hard water rating.
Can you drink the water in Durham?
Yes! You can drink the water in Durham. Durham's water meets high standards making it safe to drink, in fact, the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate has scored Durham water quality a 99.96% in overall mean zonal compliance, meaning that your water is perfectly safe to drink. It is not necessary to boil or filter Durham water to make it potable.
Changes in the taste or smell of Durham Water can occur, and the vast majority of the time is not a cause for concern. Changes could occur due to the following reasons:
- Chlorination is a way to ensure hygiene throughout the pipe network. The amount of chlorine in the water system is closely monitored at all times, and does not pose a risk to health.
- Seasonal changes in water characteristics can infuse Durham Water with an earthy smell or taste. This is often particularly notable in the autumn and winter months.
- Plumbing can contribute to the taste of your household water, adding metallic, salty or rubbery hints.
If you have questions or concerns about your water's taste, smell or appearance, you should not hesitate to contact Northumbrian Water, who will provide further assistance.
Durham Water Problems
The water problems in Durham could include anything from burst water mains or flooding to there being no water in your home. This is you should make sure to familiarize yourself with who you need to contact and what you need to do in the event of having a water emergency
If you notice a water leak or flooding outside your property, you should do one of the following:
- If you are out and about, call or tweet at Northumbrian Water, specifying the nature of the incident, at what time it was identified and the location.
- If you are near a computer, go to the "Contact Us" section of the Northumbrian Water website and either call them or request a callback.
Durham No Water
If you have no water in your home, you need to find out if the issue could be due to either the plumbing in your home or it could be a Northumbrian Water outage impacting Durham.
- Check the "Contact Us" sections of the Northumbrian Water website for any information explaining why you have no water.
- Ask your neighbours whether they have the same issue as you.
- Check that your stop tap is open
If you have no water, is it only no cold water or no hot water? If you have cold water but no hot water, the issue will be with your home plumbing and not the water company
If there is no cold water, not even a trickle, contact Northumbrian Water for assistance.