RESIDENTS in Great Sankey have expressed outraged after receiving a letter from United Utilities informing them that their water supply will soon be changed from soft to hard water - with many stating this as a ‘downgrade’ in supply.

Homeowners on Bristol Close received the notice on February 24, with the news of the change ‘hidden away in a paragraph’ in the letter, according to one unhappy resident.

The resident who has lived on the road for a number of years and wishes to remain anonymous spoke of the mutual anger at the decision from their fellow neighbours.

“There are a few people who have objected to the change. I don’t like being taken to the cleaners like this.

“I want to know what the scale of this is and if it is necessary.”

The change is part of United Utilities multibillion-pound investment plans for the region which aims to safeguard sustainable water supplies.

The works which follows on from recent years, is said to be carried out to ensure water sources are not put at risk as populations grow and demand increases.

The latest activity involves reconditioning water mains and bringing different water sources, including groundwater sources, into the network.

Various formal complaints from residents on the road about the decision to change the type of water have been made to the company, which have been met with detailed responses.

Many residents share a concern of how the quality of water will change and if this will begin to deteriorate their electrical kitchen appliances.

“I would have to fit a water softener to ensure I have no issue with our washing machine,” the resident said.

“Our water quality will deteriorate. It is essentially a deterioration in supply.”

Geoff and Elaine Bruce, neighbours on the road spoke of their disgust at the announcement.

“Like many of my neighbours I am disgusted at the underhand way UU have decided to downgrade our water supply.

“Everyone knows that harder water will have major implications for the length of life of any appliances that the water is used within.

“They did not have the good grace to either consult or properly inform their customers.”

“Will they reduce the price of this inferior water or compensate us for the extra cost of our appliances - of course not.”

United Utilities representatives were contacted about the complaints made of the change in water supply in the Great Sankey area and provided a response as well as clarity to a number of points.

In terms of the scale of the change in water supply, UU confirmed the changes would impact ‘most of Great Sankey and part of Widnes’- with the majority of Widnes already on the new water supply.

The water supply chain also confirmed that all customers were communicated with prior to the change being made and stated that whatever the source of the water is the drinking water supplied is ‘treated to ensure it’s clean and safe’ to meet standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

A United Utilities spokesperson, said: “The changes were made as part of plans to safeguard water supplies in parts of Widnes and Warrington. 

“As we continue to see population growth, we have to ensure that our water sources are not put at risk due to the extra demand. 

“By enhancing our water mains and using different raw water sources we can ensure we’re offering the best quality and value for our customers, while also protecting the environment, improving efficiency, and enhancing resilience in the network.”