Neighbouring water companies Wessex Water and Sembcorp Bournemouth Water have joined forces to ensure that people in Dorset have a reliable water supply when unexpected events occur.

The utilities have signed a water resilience agreement following a recent consultation with customers that showed a key priority was to improve the quality and reliability of water supply in the event of a major burst or leak.

The Wessex supply region meets with Sembcorp Bournemouth Water's region at the market town of Wimborne Minster. If a problem occurs on either of the networks, a backup supply would be provided to avoid any impact on customers.

David Elliott, Wessex Water’s director of environment and assets, said:

“This agreement shows how companies, working together, can deliver better value solutions, minimising investment to the benefit of our customers.”

Sembcorp Bournemouth Water's managing director, Roger Harrington, emphasised the benefits of the arrangement, saying: “Our customers tell us that the safety and reliability of the water supply is their top priority for the service.”

“Working together with our neighbouring water company to help ensure this, at a much lower cost than doing it alone, is a great way of delivering benefits at least cost to customers.”

To facilitate the bulk transfer of water, a small water plant will be constructed in Wimborne Minster where the two regions connect.