Residents of the Calstock parish are currently being asked to provide individual feedback to the parish council regarding their water supply.

Following a recent crisis where some properties were without water for four days or more, all affected residents are being asked to express their views and outline any issues they have experienced or are currently still experiencing following the problems.

This information will be collated by the parish council and then taken forward to and discussed at an upcoming liaison meeting with South West Water next month.

The recent outage problems, which affected 1800 properties in the local area, was due to a breakdown in the supply network following a leak at Hingston Down reservoir. When water was restored 89 hours later for many of the properties, South West Water said that customers would be automatically compensated in accordance with the Guaranteed Standards of Service for the interruption.

Many residents and councillors, however, are angry over SWW’s handling of the situation. Cllr Dorothy Kirk described the situation as ‘absolutely appalling.’

A temporary water station was set up by SWW at the Tamar Valley Donkey Park to assist local resident but some people took huge amounts of water to the detriment of others who were also in need, particularly those in more isolated areas.

This information about the station was put online, yet there was no way to inform people who didn’t have internet access.

Some residents received voicemails from SWW, however others didn’t.

Many complained that SWW’s website was antiquated and difficult to use, leaving some unable to log their problems.

Residents have called into question how fragile the aging water system is, concerned that this won’t be the last time they suffer difficulties.

Wanting reassurances that a similar incident will not befall the area again, the parish council voted in favour of requesting a complete breakdown of the incident from SWW and of their actions during the crisis.