Shaw Water: Supplier, Hardness & Quality
Have you just recently moved and you're not 100% sure how water works in Shaw? You will be able to find who takes care of the Shaw water supply as well as wastewater and sewerage services in the water information below. Furthermore, we have some helpful tips on how to deal with Shaw water hardness so that you can enjoy quality tap water in your home.
Shaw Water Supplier
Shaw's water is supplied by one water company, United Utilities. Here are the main Shaw water supplier contact details:
| Water Supplier | Phone Number | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| United Utilities | Metered - 0345 672 2888 / Non Metered - 0345 672 2999 | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm |
Shaw's sewerage and wastewater is also handled by United Utilities.
| Water Supplier | Phone Number | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| United Utilities | 0345 672 3723 | 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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Where does United Utilities water come from?
More than two-thirds of the water in the United Utilities coverage area comes from the Cumbrian reservoirs of Haweswater and Thirlmere in the Lake District, from the Pennines or Lake Vyrnwy in Wales. A quarter comes from rivers, such as the River Dee, and the rest is sourced from boreholes. The water from all of these sources goes through a thorough filtering process before reaching your Shaw home to ensure its high quality.
Water Rates Shaw
Your home will have one of two forms of rates, metered or unmetered. Homes that have metered Shaw water rates will have a meter number listed on their water bills, or the account number may start with MC for metered customers and UC for unmetered customers.
You can also look around your home to see if you can find a water meter. This would usually be in the kitchen or garage next to the water stop tap, or it could be in the garden in a small box sunk in the ground.
If your home is equipped with a water meter, you must give your supplier regular water meter readings so that they know how much to bill you. Not doing so could result in your provider estimating your bills.
Homes that don't have a water meter will have the rateable value of the home instead. The rateable value is based on several factors such as the size of your home, its location, and the availability of services to create an estimated consumption value, which is then used to generate your bill.
The average water rates Shaw residents are being charged result in an average water bill of around £369 a year. This amount combines both sewerage costs and water supply.
This useful guide to water rates in the UK will give you some great information on understanding how water charges work, and how you can start saving on your water bills. Additionally, if you are considering having a water meter installed, then our guide to water meters will help you decide.
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Shaw Water Hardness
Shaw 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 Shaw Water's supply area, Shaw water picks up minerals, such as magnesium or calcium, on the way to your tap.
Soft water means that your laundry should be softer after washing, your energy bills lower, and appliances will last longer as there will be less build-up of limescale.
Can you drink the water in Shaw?
Yes! You can drink the water in Shaw. Rest assured that Shaw water meets very high standards making it completely safe to drink. The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate has scored Shaw water quality a 99.96% in overall mean zonal compliance, this means that your water is safe to drink. There is no need to boil or filter Shaw water to make it potable.
If you notice a change in taste or smell of Shaw's water this may be due to one of the following reasons:
- Chlorination is a safe way to ensure hygiene throughout the pipe network. This helps to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria within the system.
- Plumbing such as pipe or tap repairs can contribute to the taste of your household water, adding metallic, salty or rubbery hints.
- Seasonal changes in water characteristics can infuse Shaw's water with an earthy smell or taste.
If you are worried about your water's taste, smell, appearance or feel that it may not be safe to consume, you should not hesitate to contact United Utilities.
Shaw Water Problems
Shaw water problems can include anything from burst water mains, flooding to not having no water in your home. This is why you should know what to do and who to contact regarding water emergencies.
If you notice a water leak or flooding outside your Shaw property, you need to do one of the following:
- If you aren't at home you can contact United Utilities by calling them, or contacting them on their social media channels of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
- If you are near a computer, go to the "report a leak" section of the United Utilities website and fill out the online form. Additionally, you can check out what known issues there may be in the area, and find emergency contact information.
Shaw No Water
If you have no water in your home, this will either be due to a United Utilities water outage, or your home may have an internal plumbing issue.
- Check if your stop tap is closed. If this is closed, turning it to the open position will allow water to flow. If not contact United Utilities.
- Check the "Contact Us" sections of the United Utilities website for any information explaining why you have no water and when you can expect your water service to resume.
- Ask your neighbours whether they have the same issue as you. If they don't then the problem will be due to your home's plumbing, and contacting a plumber is your next step.
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 United Utilities for assistance.
Shaw Water Discolouration
If you are experiencing water discolouration, the issue might be a United Utilities issue impacting Shaw.
- Changes to the colour of the water in Shaw may happen after a burst pipe has been repaired
- Or, United Utilities could have been carrying out upgrade work on the pipes in Shaw.
- Water Discolouration is not harmful and can often be cleared by running the cold water tap until it becomes clear.
If there is no improvement after trying this, you can contact United Utilities for assistance.