Your Water

Water pressure is a measure of the force that pushes water through our pipes and into your property. Our network is designed to ensure every home has a plentiful supply of water pressure and flow.

Reasons for low water pressure

The amount of water pressure your home receives will vary depending on a wide range of factors. Some of these will be due to the way we supply your water and the distance it needs to travel, but other low pressure issues may be down to the way you use your water.

Appliance use

Water pressure will reduce if you use lots of appliances at the same time, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

Size of pipe

If you have an older property you may find your water pipe is smaller than those used in modern houses. Smaller pipes supply less water and can reduce pressure and flow.

Time of day

The way we use water changes throughout the day. High water use for things like baths and showers means water pressure can be lower in the morning and evenings.

Number of households

The more properties that are fed off your water supply pipe, the lower the pressure will be.

Distance

Pumping stations create the pressure needed to push water along our pipe. Living a long way from a pumping station will reduce pressure.

Work in your area (reduced water pressure)

Temporary work in your area can lead to reduced water pressure for a short amount of time.

Check our live map for work in your area.

Could it be caused by a leak?

If you've checked the likely causes of low pressure above, but you're still concerned there may be something wrong with your water pressure, it's possible the low pressure may be caused by a leak – especially if the water pressure you usually receive has changed significantly in a short period of time.

When you report a problem with your water pressure, our trained inspectors can arrange for your water to be monitored over a period of time to identify the likely cause of the problem. If the cause is due to a leak, we'll make sure it gets repaired.

If you're unsure whether the leak is on our pipework or yours, read our page about help with leaks.

How to spot a leak

The following may be tell-tale signs of a water leak:

• Sudden loss of water pressure or flow
• Water gushing from the ground
• Damp patches on the ground, even in dry weather
• Your plumbing making a constant noise, even when no water is being used
• If you use a water meter and you find your bill is much higher than usual
• Your water meter registers a flow even when no appliances or taps are in use'

Work in your area (increased water pressure)

Sometimes work in your area or periods of inactive water use, such as holidays, can temporarily increase pressure.

Check our live map for work in your area.

Stop tap open too much

Different areas have varying water pressure. If you have high water pressure try regulating that pressure by closing your stop tap ever so slightly.

Learn how to operate your stop tap.

Find an approved plumber.

Flushing

What is flushing?

Flushing is essentially cleaning the water network. We carry out flushing when we have been working in the area. This is to clear any pipework which may have been affected by this work. It is not unusual for you to have some discoloured water when this is happening. We advise that you run your downstairs cold tap and this should clear.

Why do we flush?

Over time, a natural sediment very similar to rust builds up in old, iron water mains and normally sits harmlessly in the bottom of pipes. However, if disturbed by increased flow (possibly due to a burst main) or flow reversal (to maintain supplies), this sediment can cause discolouration of supply. Although not harmful to health, the appearance of the water is impaired and may not be palatable.

Flushing is an effective method of cleaning the pipework prior to or after essential work where there is a risk that discoloured water may result.

The amount of water flushed is strictly controlled to minimise the volume of water discharged. You can find out more about flushing on our water quality pages. 

If we are causing supply interruptions due to planned works, you can find updates and information on the Work In Your Area page. You can also sign up for text or email alert notifications by clicking the 'keep me updated' button in the top banner.

If you have low pressure, it could be for a range of issues, but it can sometimes mean we are flushing in your area. Flushing is just a simple, quick way of upkeeping the quality of your water. It essentially consists of our team of flushers blasting water through your water main, washing away any sediment or residue that can tend to build up over time.

Having no water can be very distressing. To ensure we're able to get your water back on quickly, check the following common reasons that could cause your supply to become disrupted.

We're sorry if you have no water. There may be a number of reasons for this, check our advice to find out why.

Check our current incidents.

Five steps to follow when you have no water

Is the whole property affected?

Check to see whether the whole property is affected. If only certain rooms are without water, then it's highly likely the issue is with your internal plumbing. Bristol Water only manages the plumbing up to the boundary of your property.

Check with your neighbours

It may be useful to check with your neighbours to see if someone has turned off your outside stop tap – perhaps to carry out building work or to repair a leak. This is most common in terraced properties or flats which may share a water supply pipe.

Check your inside stop tap is open

Your inside stop tap can usually be found where the water enters the property. In a house, this is often under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs toilet.

How to locate your stop tap.

Use our live map to search for incidents in your area

If the previous steps don’t work then there may be a problem in your area. You can check our live map to see if we’re aware of any work in your area.

Check our live map for work in your area.

Report the problem to us so we are able to help

If you still have no water, let us know by calling 0345 702 3797. We will then be able to investigate your problem and advise you on the next steps.

Water pressure

Our network is designed to ensure every home has a plentiful supply of water pressure and flow.

If you think you may have issues with either high or low pressure, find more information by clicking below.

More information on water pressure.

The water we supply comes from a number of different sources such as rivers, boreholes, wells and springs. Each can taste or smell slightly different. However, sometimes you might notice your water has a particularly strong smell or taste which makes it unpleasant to drink. These cases are often harmless and can sometimes be solved by yourself or a plumber. Find a local approved plumber.
 
What smells or tastes are you noticing that are different to normal?

My water smells like chlorine

My water tastes/smells woody

My water tastes/smells metallic

My water tastes/smells like fuel

My water tastes/smells earthy or musty

My water tastes/smells like TCP

What causes brown/orange/yellow water

A yellow, brown or orange colour to tap water is normally caused by disturbance of sediment (mostly iron particles) in the water main. This can happen after sudden changes in flow within our network, like when a water main bursts or if the Fire Service or other third party is using our hydrants.

Check our website for any incidents or work going on in your area.

What can I do?

The problem will normally be short-lived. Running the first mains-fed tap (usually the kitchen tap) for 30 minutes should help to resolve it by flushing it through. If it’s a widespread issue, we’ll flush the mains to help clear the problem from the network.

We have an ongoing programme of maintenance in place to reduce the amount of sediment in our network, through planned flushing and pipe replacement/upgrade. We’ll usually make you aware if we’re carrying out this work in your area.

Is it safe?

The sediment will be mostly iron deposits from older cast iron pipes. Although the levels of iron aren’t likely to be harmful to health, discoloured water won’t look or taste very nice, so we recommend waiting until the water runs clear again before using it for drinking and cooking.

Persistent or recurring discoloured water

If your tap water is persistently discoloured it might be caused by the condition of your service pipe (the pipe connecting your home to the main) or your internal plumbing system. This is likely to be the case if your neighbours’ water is clear or only your hot water is affected. Check the condition of any internal storage tanks and make sure the filling loop (used to top up water in the central heating system) is not left connected, as this can cause back-siphonage from your radiators to your water supply. You may need a plumber to help you investigate. We recommend choosing a competent and qualified plumber using the WaterSafe scheme.

Other types of discolouration

When mains sediment is disturbed the colour of the water can vary. Although it’s usually yellow, orange, or brown, it can sometimes appear to have a black or yellowish green tinge. However, if your tap water is a totally different colour, like pink, blue or bright green please visit our Problems with your water page for advice.

Checklist if you have discoloured water

Check the first mains fed cold water tap (usually the kitchen cold water tap). If the water is clear at this tap it may indicate a problem within your internal plumbing system.

Check with your neighbour. If their water is clear, it could indicate a problem with your supply pipe or a problem within your plumbing system.

If your neighbour’s water is also discoloured there might be a burst water main in the area or we may be flushing or carrying out other work. You can check for work in your area using our digital map.

Try running the first mains fed cold water tap at a steady flow until it clears – this water doesn’t have to be wasted, it can be used to water plants.
While the water is discoloured, we suggest you don’t do any laundry or use your hot water.

If the water remains discoloured after several hours, please give us a call as we may need to investigate further or flush the water main.

What causes blue or pink water

Blue water is usually caused by new pipework in your home and is the result of the water coming into contact with copper.

On rare occasions, your water may appear blue or pink because of a coloured disinfectant product in your cistern.

This is usually a sign of a poorly installed toilet cistern.

How to get rid of blue or pink water

If you have recently installed new copper pipework causing blue water, the solution is to just wait until the pipes build a natural protective layer, which will take a few days.

If your water is blue or pink due to a plumbing issue, please contact an approved plumber.

What causes cloudy/milky water

It’s common for your water to look cloudy or milky after there’s been a burst main or if we’re flushing in your area. The cloudy or milky appearance is caused by millions of tiny air bubbles in the water which are totally harmless. Find out if we’re doing any work in your area that may be causing this.

How to get rid of cloudy/milky water

To get rid of cloudy water, fill a glass from your cold kitchen sink and leave it to rest for around five minutes. After five minutes, the bubbles should have disappeared and your water will be clear again. Your tap water is still safe to drink with or without the bubbles.

This article helps you identify some of the more common causes that can change the appearance of the water and how it can be resolved.

When your water looks different to normal, it's often caused by operational works in the area and most of the time it is easy to resolve yourself.

So, what issues are you having with the appearance of your water?

My water looks milky/cloudy

My water is brown/orange

My water is pink or blue

A metallic or bitter taste or smell to tap water is normally associated with increased concentrations of metals commonly found in domestic plumbing systems, such as copper or zinc.

Water left standing in metal pipework for long periods can pick up traces of metals, which can produce unusual tastes or smells often described as metallic or bitter – particularly in water from the hot water system. This can be a particular problem in large buildings or in buildings with long lengths of pipe.

Running the cold water tap can help to reduce this problem, as can lagging the cold water pipework to prevent it being warmed by hot water pipes. The water you run off does not have to be wasted and can be used for purposes other than for drinking – such as watering plants.

Please contact us if the taste persists or if you are concerned about lead pipework.

This type of taste or smell is particularly associated with black plastic pipework.

Black plastic (alkathene) water pipes were commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s. This material can sometimes create a ‘woody’ or pencil wood taste or smell to your water supply. This taste or odour is not harmful to health and can usually be reduced by running the taps for a few minutes to clear the water that has been standing in contact with the pipe material. However, replacing your supply pipe is the only permanent solution.

The water you run off does not have to be wasted and can be used for purposes other than drinking – such as watering plants.

Please contact us for assistance on 0345 702 3797 if you notice that your water supply tastes or smells of fuel or solvent.

If there has been a spillage of fuel near to your property, fuel compounds (including those found in heating oil) can penetrate plastic pipework to contaminate the water supply, which could be hazardous to health.

Plastic pipes laid in ground that have been contaminated may need to be replaced with a special barrier pipe even if no taste or smell is detected. This is because contamination of the water supply can occur days, weeks or even months afterwards.

These types of tastes and smells are harmless and can develop when water is left standing in pipes for long periods. Running your taps for a few minutes should remove any stale water.

Occasionally harmless earthy tastes can develop in our source water – particularly in the summer months.

We add chlorine to the water at the treatment works to ensure that it is safe to drink. The level of chlorine left in the water when it comes out of your tap is very low and is not harmful to health.

Sometimes a taste or smell of chlorine can become more noticeable, which some people find unpleasant. Keeping water in a covered jug in the fridge should improve the taste and smell.

If your tap water develops a medicinal, chemical, metallic or TCP-like taste or smell, it is likely that the chlorine in the water is reacting with rubber or plastic components within your domestic plumbing system or in your kettle.

The taste and smell is often stronger if the water has been boiled or is left to stand in a glass. This type of taste is not harmful at the levels usually seen in tap water, but can be very unpleasant. 

For how to deal with this problem, head to our help section on water tastes and smells. 

What is flushing?

Flushing is essentially cleaning the water pipes. We carry out flushing when we've been working in the area to clear any pipework which may have been affected by the work. It's not unusual for you to have some discoloured water when this is happening. We advise that you run your downstairs cold tap for a few minutes which should clear it.

Why do we flush?

Over time, a natural sediment similar to rust builds up in old, iron water mains and normally sits harmlessly in the bottom of pipes. However, if disturbed by increased flow (possibly due to a burst main) or flow reversal (to maintain supplies), this sediment can cause the water to discolour. Although not harmful to health, the appearance of the water is different to normal, and may not be palatable.

Flushing is an effective method of cleaning the pipework prior to or after essential work where there is a risk that discoloured water may result.

The amount of water flushed is strictly controlled to minimise the volume of water discharged.

Click here if you need more help about problems with your water.

Make a claim for flushing

If you're on a water meter and we’ve told you to run your taps to clear discoloured water, you can claim for an allowance off your next bill.

Hard water is a natural feature of the water supply in this area. It’s caused by the presence of minerals (calcium and magnesium) picked up by our source water on its journey through the ground – in this area, it’s mainly limestone rock.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, water is considered ‘hard’ and will produce scale where the level of calcium carbonate is above 200 milligrams per litre (mg/l or parts per million).

The table below shows how hard water is classified:

Although there can be some seasonal variation, all the water in the Bristol Water area is classed as hard or very hard.

Hard water is completely harmless and doesn’t represent a deficiency in the quality of your water supply – however, it can cause problems within the home like:

• Scaling of hot water systems, washing machines, dishwashers, kettles, and irons, which can affect their efficiency.
• Limescale and ‘tide marks’ in and around sinks, taps, baths, shower heads and toilets.
• Scum on hot drinks, especially tea, after reacting with oils and tannins in the tea leaves.
• Poor lather from soaps and detergents.

How hard is my water?

To find out how hard your water is, including common hardness conversions needed for setting up appliances, enter your postcode into our water quality checker.

Is hard water safe to use?

Yes, hard water doesn’t represent a health risk – as such there’s no water quality standard in place to regulate water hardness.

Some people find that it can have a drying effect on the skin, which can exacerbate existing skin conditions.

What can I do about hard water?

• Descale your appliances regularly to help maintain efficiency.
• Keep the temperature of your hot water below 60°C to minimise scale formation.
• Descale your kettle regularly, either by rinsing out the particles or by using a scale remover product. Ensure the product is fully removed and rinsed from the kettle before using it to make hot drinks.
• Using a jug filter that contains ion exchange resin beads can reduce scale formation in the kettle and reduce scum on cups of tea.
• Adding dead sea salts to bath water will soften it, which can help to reduce skin irritation.
• Consider installing a domestic treatment device, like a water softener, water conditioner or scale inhibitor.

Why doesn’t Bristol Water soften the water supply?

There are several reasons we don’t soften the water supply:

• There’s no water quality standard in place to control water hardness – therefore, we’re not required by law to adjust water hardness accordingly.
• Soft water is more corrosive to metal pipework, which could lead to water quality problems like discoloured water associated with iron pipework and would increase the risk of lead dissolving into the water from old lead pipes
• Not all our customers want their water supply softened – therefore, consumers can make their own choice to install domestic treatment.

What are the different types of home treatment for hard water?

Scale inhibitors and physical water conditioners:

The most common types are electric water conditioners and magnetic water conditioners; both types operate in a similar way.

When hard water is heated limescale forms as tiny crystals. The shape of these crystals promotes the build-up of limescale. In theory, physical water conditioners change the shape of the limescale crystals, which prevent them from sticking to surfaces leaving them suspended in the water.

This effect is thought to be temporary so for best results, the device should be fitted as close as possible to the unit heating the water.

Physical water conditioners do not remove the calcium and magnesium minerals from the water. As they do not soften the water you are unlikely to notice any impact on the amount of soap or detergent used or a reduction in the amount of limescale forming in your kettle. However, because they do not change the chemistry of the water it remains safe to drink.

Chemical water conditioners:

The most common type of chemical conditioner dose is phosphate. These devices work by adding a small amount of polyphosphate to the water, which combines with the calcium and magnesium minerals preventing them from precipitating out of solution. These units should always be installed by a qualified person to ensure they do not affect the quality of your drinking water.

Water softeners:

Water softeners are used to remove the calcium and magnesium minerals from the water – therefore, limescale is not produced when the water is heated. Unlike physical water conditioners, the effect is permanent. It also means you will use less detergent and soap.

The two most common types of devices fitted in domestic properties are ion-exchange salt softeners and reverse osmosis systems.

• Ion exchange salt softeners replace the calcium and magnesium minerals with sodium. The water passes through resin beads contained within the unit. The sodium ions on the resin are swapped with the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Eventually, there are not enough sodium ions left and the resin needs to be regenerated. This is done by flushing the resin with a salt solution, which replenishes the sodium ions. This type of softener is relatively cheap to buy and operate, and easy to install. However, because they increase the level of sodium in the water, it is recommended that at least one tap in the property is supplied by unsoftened water for drinking and cooking purposes.
• Reverse osmosis systems not only remove calcium and magnesium from the water, they also remove other minerals and metals that may be present in the water. They work by forcing the water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane has lots of microscopic holes big enough to let water molecules through whilst excluding larger molecules. This type of device is normally more expensive than ion-exchange softeners and requires more power to operate.

With both types of softeners, it’s important to ensure they are installed by a qualified person in accordance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Home treatment units should always be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also recommended that a bypass is installed to provide you with a water supply should the unit fail or malfunction.

Further information:

Please see the advice leaflet on water hardness produced by the regulatory body for drinking water quality in England and Wales, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).

All of the water in our supply area is classed as either hard or very hard. Water hardness is a natural feature of the water supply in this area and does not indicate that there is a problem with the water quality.

Chlorine

We use sophisticated treatment systems to ensure that the water we supply is always safe, clean and good to drink. As part of the treatment process, the water receives a small dose of chlorine to preserve the water quality while it is in our pipes on the way to your tap.

The level of chlorine as it leaves the treatment works is typically between 0.5 and 1.0 parts per million (mg/l). For comparison your local swimming pool will normally contain between 1.5 and 5 mg/l. A small amount of chlorine remains in the water after it leaves the treatment works.

This residual ensures that the wholesomeness of the water is maintained throughout the distribution system. Chlorine levels are monitored very closely at the treatment works and at customers’ taps, where daily samples are taken.

Some people are more sensitive to the taste and smell of chlorine than others. The taste and smell can be reduced by leaving a jug of water (covered) in the fridge for a few hours before use to allow the chlorine to escape.

Fluoride

We do not add – and currently have no plans to add – fluoride to the water we supply.

The water we supply naturally contains between 0.1 and 0.3 mg/l (parts per million) of fluoride, which is not removed during treatment. The maximum concentration of fluoride allowed in the water is 1.5 mg/l. There is no minimum limit.

In the past, local health authorities could ask water companies to artificially fluoridate the water supply, but the companies could refuse. Legislation in 2008 gave the authorities the power to compel companies to fluoridate the water supply, after public consultation.

Fluoride is a health issue. We believe that health professionals should make decisions about health measures, not water companies.

Useful Documents

Water Standards Explained

Useful Links

Drinking Water Inspectorate
Problems with my Water

We do not add fluoride to the drinking water we supply. The water we supply naturally contains between 0.1 and 0.3 mg/l (parts per million) of fluoride, which is not removed during treatment. The maximum concentration of fluoride allowed in the water is 1.5 mg/l. There is no minimum limit.

In some parts of the UK hexafluorosilicic acid is added to the water to artificially increase the level of fluoride in the drinking water. Bristol Water does not currently and has never added hexafluorosilicic acid to the drinking water we supply.

Fluoride occurs naturally in rocks and soils. As water moves through the rocks and soils a small amount of fluoride can enter the water.

This naturally occurring fluoride is not removed by the treatment processes we use to treat the water. Your tap water will contain low levels of this natural fluoride.

These levels are well below the drinking water standard of 1.5 mg/l (milligrams per litre or parts per million). The chart below shows the annual average and maximum levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the drinking water we supply.

The Local Health Authorities are responsible for the decision to artificially add fluoride to the drinking water. We are not currently aware of any of the Local Authorities in the Bristol Water area considering fluoridation of the water.

If you would like further information about this process, please contact your Local Health Authority.

Do you add fluoride to my drinking water?

No, Bristol Water currently doesn’t add fluoride to the drinking water we supply.

Does my drinking water contain fluoride?

Yes, the sources we use to provide drinking water contain low levels of naturally occurring fluoride that are not removed by the water treatment processes. The levels are very low, typically less than 0.6 mg/l and below the drinking water standard of 1.5 mg/l.

Why is fluoride sometimes added to drinking water in the UK?

Fluoride is sometimes added to drinking water in the UK to protect against tooth decay and to improve dental health.

Who decides to add fluoride to drinking water

Responsibility for the decision to add fluoride to drinking water rests with the Local Health Authority, following a consultation process. Legislation requires us to comply with any such request from the Local Health Authority.

What is changing?

A new Health and Social Care Bill is being considered by the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The proposed new Bill includes changes to legislation relating to fluoridation of public water supplies, specifically changing who is responsible for the decision to add fluoride to the drinking water.

The proposed new Bill will give the responsibility for the decision to add fluoride to drinking water to the Secretary of State. The revenue costs of the schemes would also transfer to the Secretary of State. This will allow central government to directly take responsibility for fluoridation schemes.

Any future decisions on new fluoridation schemes will be subject to funding being secured. The proposed new Bill will also transfer the requirement from local authorities to the Secretary of State to consult water undertakers on whether any fluoridation scheme or variation or termination to existing schemes are operable and efficient, prior to undertaking any public consultation.

Mains water contains very low levels of lead, typically less than 0.5 µg/l (parts per billion), but this level can increase when water comes into contact with lead service pipes, internal lead pipes or lead solder. Apply for a lead pipe replacement.

We add some chlorine to our water during the final stages of treatment. This addition of chlorine does not mean your water is unsafe to drink – in fact, it means the opposite. It's there to make sure quality is maintained as it moves through our mains and out of your tap. Sometimes a taste or smell of chlorine can become more noticeable, which some people find unpleasant. Keeping water in a covered jug in the fridge should improve the taste and smell as the chlorine leaves the water as a gas. 

To apply for a new connection, please complete the application for supply form.

We'll then get in touch and then arrange for a Network Site Agent to visit you to discuss the planned work. This will help to assess the nature of the work, so that we can provide you with a quote.

To set up a water supply to a field, you'll need to complete one of our new supply application forms. We'll then get in touch and then arrange for a Network Site Agent to visit you to discuss the planned work. This will help to assess the nature of the work, so that we can provide you with a quote. More information and our application form can be found by visiting our new supplies page.

Your pressure may be affected by work we are carrying out. Please check our In Your Area map to see any work we are carrying out.

Different areas have varying water pressure. If you have high water pressure try regulating that pressure by closing your stop tap ever so slightly.

You may need to fit a pressure reducing valve to your private pipework. High pressure can usually be resolved by simply following these steps:

1. Turn your tap on so the water trickles out.
2. Run your taps for a few minutes to see if the pressure normalises. If it does not, turn the tap off, wait and then try the process again. 

If this does not work, you may need to contact a plumber.

We take a series of tests including biological and microbiological tests. We test the levels of chlorine, which keeps the water wholesome from our treatment works to your home. A common test is for coliform bacteria, which is not harmful to health and is removed in the treatment process. We also test for e.coli, which is common in untreated water and is removed by our treatment process and disinfection using chlorine.

You can see a breakdown on the water quality in your area and download a summary of these test results from our water quality checker.

We are responsible for the pipework that brings water to a property boundary. The pipe that runs from your property boundary up to and into your property is your responsibility. We offer a lead pipe replacement scheme. You can find out more and apply for a lead pipe replacement on our lead pipe replacement page.

If you have lead pipes, we recommend running the cold water tap for about a minute before using the water for drinking or cooking. This removes water that has been standing in the pipework. 

What do I need to know before hiring a standpipe?

Available standpipes and what they can be used for Two types of standpipes are available for hire:

• 15mm with ¾ inch bore (delivers approx. 1 litre per second)
• High flow 64mm with 2½ inch bore (delivers approx. 4 litres per second)

Standpipes are hired to draw water for a range of purposes, including:

• Domestic use such as drinking, cooking, and washing (eg. for events, festivals, site welfare facilities, temporary domestic supply) – Bristol Water will chlorinate both the hydrant/washout and standpipe before hire for domestic use.
• Non-domestic use (eg. filling bowsers/tankers, construction/demolition site uses, watering plants and trees, cleaning windows and solar panels).

Standpipes can be hired on a weekly or pre-paid annual basis. All information on charges, including deposits can be seen here.

Standpipe hire form (Printable)

Map of designated filling points

Standpipe hire charges

Where can and can’t our standpipes be used

Standpipes can be hired on a weekly or pre-paid annual basis. All information on charges, including deposits, can be seen in the useful documents section below.

15mm standpipes can be used on any standard fire hydrant or washout in the Bristol Water supply area that does not have logging equipment.

High-flow 64mm standpipes are restricted for use on designated filling points to avoid causing burst mains, poor pressures and water discolouration for other customers.

Designated filling points are adapted to only take a 64mm standpipe and are marked with a red lid.

We advise you to visit your intended location to identify an appropriate hydrant/washout for your use before hiring a standpipe. Please do contact us if you still need more information on the appropriate hydrants/washouts for what you need and where you need it.

See our map of designated filling points.

I'd like to apply to hire a standpipe

Identify

You should visit the location and consider the purpose to identify what you need and where it will be used.

Apply

• Ensure you've read the information and T&Cs on our website.
• Complete the online application form, allowing at least a full working day for this to be processed before collection.
• For domestic use, allow up to 10 working days for inspection and chlorination of the intended hydrant/washout.
• Include company information on letterheaded paper if you're a new standpipe hire customer.

Confirmation

• You may be asked to clarify aspects of your application before it is processed.
• You will be set up as a new customer, if necessary.
• We will confirm your hire and issue an invoice for the deposit to be paid before collection.
• If you're hiring on an annual basis, the full pre-payment amount will be included on the invoice for payment before collection.
• For domestic use, we will arrange a Network Inspector to visit, inspect and chlorinate the hydrant/washout to be used

Pay deposit

The deposit (and any other prepayment) must be cleared before the standpipe can be collected.

Payment can be made via card over the phone or bank transfer.

Collection

Once payment is received, your standpipe can be collected from Bristol Water's Barrow Logistics Centre.

On-hire

• You've got your standpipe! You must follow all usage instructions and take appropriate measures to keep yourself and all Bristol Water equipment safe.
• We will contact you for regular meter readings to accurately bill your water consumption alongside your hire charges.
• If you receive any issues, please contact us. For emergencies out of normal working hours, please contact the main Bristol Water Customer Services team.

Off-hire

• Contact us when you'd like to off-hire. An off-hire form will be prepared for when the standpipe is returned.
• The standpipe will be inspected and tested. You will be informed of any damage.
• You will receive a final bill including any outstanding water consumption charges, hire charges and loss, damage or repair charges. You will either be refunded your deposit or your final bill will be reduced by the value of your deposit.

If you need to contact the team, please call 0345 600 0220 or email standpipehire@bristolwater.co.uk

What do I need to know when using a standpipe

General usage instructions

Watch this video for a guide on how to connect and disconnect your standpipe. If you need to contact the team, please call 0345 600 0220 or email standpipehire@bristolwater.co.uk

How to connect/disconnect standpipes video.

Bristol Water-issued standpipes can be used on fire hydrants or wash outs within the Bristol Water supply area. All standpipes are metered and water used will be charged at the current Bristol Water rate. Use of an unauthorised standpipe is a serious offence and could result in criminal prosecution.

A valid hire agreement must be held – this includes a signed On-Hire Form for both a 15mm or a 64mm and where necessary, a licence certificate for use of 64mm standpipe at designated filling points only.

There are some parts of the Bristol Water supply area where Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) are responsible for the water supply network. You cannot use a Bristol Water issued standpipe in these areas and will instead need to contact the IDNO. See a map/list of the IDNOs.

When using a standpipe in the highway or footpath, ensure all safety requirements are followed. (eg. correct signage or guarding is in place as per NRSWA regulations).

Once you have located the hydrant to use, remove the surface cover. If the hydrant chamber is full of water or debris it should be cleared to at least 150mm below the connection point. Remove the hydrant cap.

Remove dirt, debris or sediment from the valve outlet cup. Open the valve slowly by turning the valve anticlockwise using the key provided. Release all air from the valve and ensure the water is running clear of any particles before slowly closing the valve again. DO NOT FILL the chamber.

Ensure the standpipe taps or outlets are closed and carefully connect the standpipe to the valve outlet cup.

Re-open the valve SLOWLY (no more than one full turn every 60 seconds), increasing the flow gradually.

• 15mm standpipe: approximately 1 litre per second delivery 
• 64mm standpipe: approximately 4 litres per second delivery (250 litres per minute, 15,000 litres / 15 cu3 per hour)

Example of dials on a 64mm standpipe meter: 

Recommended method: check flow using middle red/white digit to ensure maximum flow of four digits in 10 seconds.

Rapid start up, over running, air or particle contamination can cause irreparable damage to Bristol Water equipment.

Failure to follow these procedures can incur charges or loss of deposit.

After use, close down the hydrant valve slowly, check for leaks, remove standpipe, drain down all components fully, refit hydrant cap and replace hydrant cover securely.

When not in use, standpipes are to be disconnected and the hydrant cover replaced. Do not leave the standpipe unattended.  

Attaching a hose

15mm standpipes are fitted with 20mm (3/4”) hose union bib taps; these are suitable for a 3/4” hose & jubilee clip or mixer tap adaptor to hose lock connector.

64mm standpipes are fitted with swivel, single-outlet plug-in connectors; these are suitable for standard fire hoses (also available to hire from Bristol Water Standpipe Hire).

If using a flexible hose connected to the standpipe, users must ensure that the end of the hose cannot become submerged. Under no circumstances should a hose be directly connected from the standpipe to a sewer, gully, drain, culvert or ditch. An air gap must be maintained if the equipment is to be used to fill any receptacle, bowser, tank or IBC.

Domestic use (eg. drinking, cooking, washing)

Water supplied by Bristol Water meets required drinking water standards – however, the quality can be compromised by the condition of the standpipe. Where we have been informed the standpipe is to be used for domestic purposes, we will have arranged an inspection and chlorination of the standpipe and intended hydrant to be used before the standpipe is issued. This is an approved method to help ensure the quality of water is maintained for domestic purposes when using a standpipe.

If you have concerns about anybody who has drunk water from a standpipe, or concerns about the condition of the standpipe, please contact the Standpipe Hire team.

Damage or loss

You will be connecting to the public water supply system. It is your responsibility to prevent damage and avoid contamination. Failure to do so may render you liable to prosecution under the Water Industry Act 1991 regulations.

You must inspect all components of the standpipe fully before connecting it to the hydrant valve. Dropping, or impacts to, the standpipe may cause damage to the calibration of the meter. Any faults or damage must be reported immediately to the Standpipe Hire team.

Once connected, check for any leaks and ensure the meter is recording consumption. Meter failures or damaged components must be reported immediately. Continued extraction of unmetered water is considered unauthorised use and theft.

If you are unable to operate the valve or the hydrant leaks, seek an alternative hydrant and report the fault to Bristol Water on 0345 702 3797.

During cold weather, to prevent frost or ice damage to components, drain the standpipe completely (both sides of DCV) and exercise caution with any water spillage.

The standpipe and accessories must be stored and transported away from any contaminated materials, fittings or containers.

Under no circumstances should users dismantle, tamper or remove any standpipe components.

Off-hired equipment must be returned with all issued items or accessories and be in the same condition as at commencement of hire. Additional loss/damage charges and/or forfeiture of deposit will apply for any damaged/missing or unserviceable items.

Terms of hire

You should be aware of the Standard Terms and Conditions of hire under which Bristol Water plc operates the hire of standpipes. All standpipes must be made available for inspection by a representative of Bristol Water upon request.  

If you need to connect to the Bristol Water mains network for any reason, the only standpipes permitted are those authorised through ourselves. There are two types of metered standpipe available: 15mm standpipe and 64mm standpipe. To request a standpipe please call us on 0845 600 0220.