Big businesses unprepared for water interruptions, Water Plus finds

Large business customers are not adequately prepared for water supply interruptions, despite regularly experiencing them.

That was a finding from YouGov research among 1000 businesses commissioned by Water Plus. The survey revealed that just a third (35%) of large firms have measures in place to mitigate a burst pipe in their buildings or other water issues within the boundaries of their sites. That is despite close to one in five (16%) corporates having to pause daily routines as a result of a leak or burst pipe on-site since July 2019. Almost one in ten (8%) had to shut their sites for more than an hour. Overall, more than one fifth (21%) of UK firms have suffered with costly leaks or burst pipes over the period.

Head of advanced services at Water Plus, Scott MacIndeor, said: “Water supply issues are a major cause of downtime and lost productivity at a time when it’s vital businesses that can be open are operating at full capacity to keep the economy moving. It’s clear that there is a blind spot for companies when it comes to being prepared. Not all causes of disruption, from leaks to frozen pipes during colder months and water outages, can be spotted beforehand. But having the right emergency plans in place is vital, so firms that are allowed to be open can get back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Water Plus said it is offering free advice for businesses to help them be more prepared for water interruptions on-site.