Bristol Water: Supply Info and Contact Details
If you've recently moved to Bristol and have questions about the water supply or sewerage services, the Bristol water information below can help. You'll also find advice on how to deal with Bristol water hardness so that you can enjoy high-quality tap water at home.
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Bristol Water Supplier
The city of Bristol has its water supplied by one water company, Bristol Water. Here are the main Bristol water supplier contact details:
| Water Company | Phone Number | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol Water | 0345 600 3600 | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm |
Wastewater and sewerage in Bristol aren't managed by Bristol Water; instead they are handled by Wessex Water. The following are the main contact numbers for wastewater and sewerage in Bristol:
| Water Company | Phone Number | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| Wessex Water | 0345 600 3 600 | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Closed on Bank Holidays |
Be aware that calls to numbers starting with 03 may be charged at local rates by your phone company.
Bristol Water Rates
Water rates in Bristol are determined by whether or not your home has a water meter. You can easily find out whether your Bristol water rates are metered or not by taking a look at your water bill. Homes with metered water rates will see a meter number listed on their Bristol water bills.
Homes that are not metered won't, but they will have the rateable value of the home instead. The rateable value part of your Bristol water rates will have been determined by the local council in the 1990s and is unlikely to have changed since then.
How much does water cost in Bristol?
The average water rates Bristol residents are charged add up to a water bill of around £408 a year. This amount combines both water supply and sewerage costs.
Bristol Water Hardness
Water hardness refers to the level of minerals present in the water. The higher the level of minerals such as dissolved calcium and magnesium your water contains, the 'harder' it is.
While it's important to remember that a certain amount of minerals in your water is perfectly normal and a natural occurrence, solid calcium carbonate deposits can form over time as hard water evaporates or is heated in a kettle. This is known as limescale and can shorten equipment life, increase water heating costs, and clog pipes.
Due to the presence of limestone in the Bristol area, the majority of Bristol water hardness is rated as 'hard' or 'very hard'. Here are a few simple tips for reducing limescale if you're negatively affected by Bristol water hardness:
- Baths, sinks, and toilets: Clean susceptible surfaces such as tiles, showers and taps with an acidic limescale remover on a regular basis to keep limescale at bay.
- Kettles: Half-fill your kettle with water and two tablespoons of white vinegar, then leave it for four hours to loosen limescale build-up.
- Dishwashers: Dishwasher salt acts as a water softener and helps prevents white film from forming on your dishes and glasses.
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Is Bristol Water Safe to Drink?
Under normal circumstances, Bristol tap water is safe to drink. In fact, World Health Organisation data states that 99% of cities, towns, and rural areas in the United Kingdom have access to drinkable water sources.
However, according to Tap Safe, the Bristol area is one of those with the highest risk of drinking water contamination. A number of contaminants have been discovered in the city's water supply, which experts believe can lead to illness. Fortunately, the effects of such contaminants can often be avoided by boiling your water in advance.
Where does Bristol Water come from?
Bristol Water owns three major reservoirs in Chew, Blagdon, and Cheddar and also a number of boreholes. However, rivers outside of the supply area, such as the River Severn, provide nearly half of the water used in Bristol. Bristol Water also has a network of pumping stations, storage reservoirs, and mains that feed water into a network of treatment plants.
Bristol Water Problems
Common Bristol water problems can range from a burst water main and flooding to having no water in your home.
In addition to causing personal distress and inconvenience, water leaks can also waste a significant amount of water. In the event of a water emergency, you should make sure you know what to do and who to contact. If you happen to notice a water leak or flooding outside your Bristol home, your best way of reporting it is getting in touch with Bristol Water using the contact number above.