Residents in Sutton, Morden, and Ewell are currently facing water hardness problems due to issues at the Cheam Water Treatment Works. The situation is expected to persist until the end of October, causing inconvenience for many customers in the affected areas.
SES Water, the supplier for parts of Cheam, Sutton, Worcester Park, Ewell, Morden, Carshalton, Carshalton Beeches, and South Sutton, has acknowledged that repairs to the softening system at the treatment works are taking longer than initially anticipated. This delay has led to an increase in water hardness, which refers to the presence of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water.
While water hardness does not pose any health risks, it can lead to limescale deposits on household appliances and surfaces. Customers may notice more limescale build-up in kettles, glassware, and taps, as well as a film forming on cups of tea or cordial. Despite these changes in everyday water use, SES Water has assured customers that the water remains safe to drink.
The company has explained that the repairs required at the Cheam Water Treatment Works are complex and will take more time than initially expected to fully resolve the issue. Water softening is expected to resume by the end of October, at which point the water hardness levels will return to normal.
Impacts of Increased Water Hardness
The increased water hardness in Sutton, Morden, and Ewell can have various impacts on residents’ daily routines. For example, the higher mineral content in the water may affect the performance of dishwashers and other appliances that rely on water quality. Customers may need to adjust their settings or use additional cleaning products to mitigate the effects of the hard water.
In addition to household appliances, the increased water hardness can also impact the appearance and taste of food and beverages prepared with tap water. Residents may notice changes in the clarity and flavor of tea, coffee, and other drinks due to the presence of dissolved minerals. Understanding these impacts can help residents make informed decisions about their water usage during this period of disruption.
SES Water’s Response and Future Plans
SES Water has reassured customers that the current water hardness issue is temporary and related to the ongoing repairs at the Cheam Water Treatment Works. The company has a legal obligation to soften the groundwater it treats and has made significant investments in improving its softening capabilities in recent years.
Despite the necessary repairs causing a temporary halt in the softening process, SES Water remains committed to maintaining high water quality standards for its customers. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has confirmed that the company’s water quality continues to be among the best in the industry, providing further assurance to residents in the affected areas.
In response to concerns about the impact of the increased water hardness on customers’ daily routines, SES Water has provided detailed information about the current levels of calcium and calcium carbonate in the water. This information can help residents understand the changes they may experience and make necessary adjustments to minimize any negative effects.
Customer Support and Compensation
While SES Water has confirmed that they will not be offering direct compensation for the inconvenience caused by the water hardness issue, any financial penalties resulting from not meeting softening targets will be deducted from next year’s revenue. This approach may lead to lower bills for customers in the future, providing some relief for those affected by the temporary disruption.
Customers seeking more information or assistance can visit the SES Water website or contact their Extra Care team for additional support. The company is working diligently to restore normal water hardness levels as quickly as possible and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the ongoing repairs at the Cheam Water Treatment Works.
In conclusion, residents in Sutton, Morden, and Ewell are advised to remain patient as SES Water works to resolve the water hardness problems in the affected areas. By providing transparent communication and support to customers, the company aims to minimize the impact of the current disruption on residents’ daily lives.
