New film launched urging public to only use a qualified professional to work on their water supply pipe

WATERSAFE, the national register of approved drinking water contractors, has launched a new film starring its members. It's to help property owners in Merseyside find the right person for the job when it comes to work on their water supply pipe, the underground pipe that carries water to a property from the main in the street.

The short film stars WaterSafe approved water supply pipe installers Aaron Folan and Braden Dawes, who highlight the importance of using a qualified, approved contractor to help keep tap water safe and wholesome in homes and businesses.

All water supply pipe installers approved by WaterSafe are qualified in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws; that's why they're supported by their local water company and the drinking water regulators.

WaterSafe approved water supply pipe installers can do many different jobs, from replacing lead supply pipes, to fixing leaks on supply pipes for:- homes, Hospitals, Schools and factories; any building with a water supply.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said:- "Almost a 3rd of people we interviewed in our latest survey* weren't aware that they're usually responsible for their home's water supply pipe. Our new film is focused on how important it is to make sure your supply pipe is always installed, renewed or repaired by a qualified professional. Using our online database at watersafe.org.uk is a quick and easy way of finding an approved contractor, who's supported by your local water company."

Braden Dawes, WaterSafe approved water supply pipe installer, said:- "I took part in the WaterSafe film to help get people thinking about using an approved contractor for specialist jobs, such as dealing with a leak on your underground water supply pipe."

Aaron Folan, WaterSafe approved water supply pipe installer, added:- "WaterSafe approval means I'm a member of a trusted water industry backed scheme, which reassures my customers that I'm fully qualified to do a competent, professional job."

WaterSafe approved water supply pipe installers will issue a 'Certificate of Compliance' stating that their work complies with the water regulations, giving consumers a legal defence if something is later found to be wrong.

Water supply pipe installers are only approved to work on the supply pipe from the external stop tap, up to the internal stop tap of a property. So, if you need work on your internal plumbing, you should use an approved plumber, who is approved for all types of plumbing work.

WaterSafe approval covers work on private property, but not work in public areas, such as the pavement or road, or work on apparatus owned by a water company.

For more information and to watch the film, visit:- WaterSafe.Org.UK/WSPI.

To find a WaterSafe approved water supply pipe installer or other suitable approved contractor in your area, visit:- WaterSafe.Org.UK to search for:- 'Water supply pipe installers,' 'Underground pipework' or 'Leak detection,' and enter your postcode.
 

DOBBIES in Southport has launched a new initiative which means local residents can now recycle their compost bags. Compost packaging is typically difficult for people to recycle as very few Local Authorities collect polythene sacks as part of kerbside collections or at recycling centres. Research undertaken by Dobbies has shown that 37% of gardeners in the North West want to recycle more of their garden waste products and 35% of people are more likely to shop at a garden centre that is sustainably focused, and now waste aware gardeners can recycle their compost bag at their local Dobbies' store in Southport.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said:- "With this scheme, anyone can bring in any compost packaging to Dobbies Southport, no matter what brand or where it was purchased, and return it to 1 of the recycling bins. We wanted to ensure gardeners across Southport had the opportunity to dispose of their compost packaging in a sustainable way."

Dobbies is working with partners Evergreen Garden Care, to create garden furniture from the recycled material. This will be donated to Greenfingers, a charity that creates green spaces for terminally ill children.

Jane Hartley, Sustainability Marketing Manager, Evergreen Garden Care, adds:- "We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Dobbies, rolling out the compost bag scheme across all mainline stores, including Southport. We had a trial with 10 stores to develop a collection programme that will work across all stores. We hope residents in Southport make the most of this scheme."

The compost bag recycling scheme follows other environmental initiatives, including a partnership with sustainable plant pot designer, elho. This has seen plastic pot recycling bins placed in 69 of Dobbies garden centres, including Southport. This will help reduce unnecessary plastic waste in the garden and prevent further plastic waste ending up in landfill.

Follow and support Dobbies sustainability campaign using the hashtag #sustainabledobbies. For Dobbies sustainability policy:- Dobbies.Com.