In My Area
Your water is supplied from Wales and transported to Birmingham through the Elan Valley Aqueduct. As the Aqueduct is over 100 years old it needs regular maintenance, which means from time to time we need to take it out of action so we can get inside and carry out repairs. When we’re doing this, your water will come from other parts of our region so you can just carry on using your water as normal.
What does this mean for me?
When is this happening?
What does this mean for me at home?
Will my water be different when the temporary supply is used?
Will this affect my household appliances?
Arthur Jones and the Genie of the Tap
Read our fun children’s book which takes a trip through time telling the story of Birmingham’s water and its amazing journey to the tap.
Frequently asked questions
A new supply for Birmingham and surrounding areas
When your supply source is temporarily changed, you don’t need to do anything differently, you can continue to use your water for drinking, cooking and cleaning as you would normally.
Your water will come from sources which already supply thousands of our other customers, and which meets all the regulatory water quality requirements to ensure you are provided with safe, wholesome drinking water.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate can provide you with information about your water quality when your supply source is changed.
Currently Birmingham’s water comes from Wales. When we use the temporary supply, your water will be from other parts of our region. As water is a natural product, different sources have a slightly different mix of minerals and composition.
The water will continue to meet regulatory water quality requirements and is already used by thousands of customers, so you can continue with your normal water use and routines. If you use water for a non-domestic purpose, which may be affected by a change in water composition you may want to consult your equipment manufacture.
You can download an information sheet about the composition of the back-up water supply [PDF].
From January 2019 your water supply may change for up to six weeks each year.
You can download a map showing the areas that will be affected [PDF] by these changes.
Birmingham’s water will continue to be treated to the same high standards that our customers currently enjoy. We’ll also be working
closely with public health bodies to satisfy any particular needs they may have.
Household appliances are designed to work perfectly well with all types of water, and a short term change in supply should not have any effect.
Water is a natural product and different sources have a different mix of minerals and salts which determine if your
water is soft or hard.
Your usual supply from Wales is moderately soft and the temporary source is harder, so depending on use, appliances may need additional cleaning. For further information refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
You will need to contact your local health care provider or refer to the manufacturer’s instruction for guidance on any changes you may need to make.
You can download an information sheet about the composition of the back-up water supply [PDF].
If you have equipment or carry our processes which require a specific water composition/chemistry we recommend that you contact your
equipment manufacturer for guidance, Severn Trent will not be able to advise you on any changes you may need to make.
The water we provide you will meet all regulatory water quality requirements to ensure you are provided with safe, wholesome drinking water.
You can download an information sheet about the composition of the back-up water supply [PDF].
If you have an aquarium, we recommend you speak to a specialist on any action you may need to take.
You can download an information sheet about the composition of the back-up water supply [PDF].
We are maintaining the Elan Valley Aqueduct (EVA) to keep it in service so future generations across Birmingham can continue to enjoy wonderful water from Wales.
Water sourced via the EVA also helps to support the wider network of pipes used to supply the whole region, which in turn benefits thousands of customers outside the city.
For over 100 years the Elan Valley Aqueduct (EVA) has been a reliable source of water for Birmingham and the surrounding communities.
However our regular checks on the Aqueduct have revealed signs of aging, which is why we’d like to invest and improve it now so that our customers have a reliable water supply for future generations.
If you have any other questions, you can email us at Birminghamwater@severntrent.co.uk.
