Anglian Water on standby to provide emergency cover over the Christmas period

Staff from Anglian Water will be on call throughout the festive period ready to respond in case of an emergency.

Experts from the water company were classified as key workers earlier this year, working throughout both lockdowns to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing.

Andrew Norman, a water network technician, said: “This year has been a hard one for all of us, so the last thing people need on Christmas Day is to have issues with their water. That’s why I’ll be on standby to respond to any emergencies and ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

“Being on standby is just part of the job and it’s always rewarding to be able to help people in need, especially at this time of year. We’re a really dedicated and hard-working team, so we just want to do our bit to ensure our customers have a great day this Christmas.”

The company is also reminding people not to dispose of fat and food waste down the kitchen sink. Turkey fat, for example, down the plughole can cause blockages in sewers and pipes.

Such blockages are common, especially at this time of the year, with turkey fat, oils and greases combining in sewers to create fatbergs. These can cause sewage to back up into customers’ homes or even the wider environment.

For those who need additional support, Anglian’s Priority Services Register offers help to a wide range of people, from those with sight, hearing, or mobility difficulties, to parents with babies under 12 months old – should there be any interruption to their water supply. Customers can apply to be added to the register by visiting the Anglian Water website.

Anglian Water’s customer service teams will also be on hand over the Christmas period to help with any emergencies and keep customers updated. Customers can report water or sewerage issues on its website or through the company’s 24/7 emergency line on 03457 145 145.