Collective Action: Restore Fair Water Pressure in OX2

Many households in OX2 have noticed a drop in water pressure since the recent network changes. To make sure everyone in our neighbourhood has reliable water, I am encouraging residents to submit individual formal complaints to Thames Water. By acting together, we can show this is a street‑wide issue, push for proper pressure testing, and escalate unresolved cases to the Consumer Council for Water. Every household that takes part helps increase the chances of a real solution for all of us.

How to take action

I want to make it as simple as possible for every household to take part. Here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Submit a formal complaint to Thames Water

Complaints are recorded per household, so the more people take part, the stronger our case.

Dear Thames Water,

I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding the significant reduction in water pressure at my property following the recent “pressure optimisation” works carried out in the OX2 area.

Since these changes were implemented, the water pressure in our home has noticeably decreased and is affecting normal household use (e.g., showers, taps, and appliances). Several households on our street appear to be experiencing the same issue.

While I understand the need to manage network pressure to protect infrastructure and reduce leaks, the current level of service is not satisfactory for normal domestic use.

I would therefore like to request:

A pressure test to be carried out at my property
Written confirmation of the measured water pressure (in bar) at the supply point
Confirmation of whether the recent pressure optimisation works have reduced supply pressure to our street

Please treat this email as a formal complaint under your complaints procedure.

I would appreciate a response explaining how this issue will be investigated and what steps may be taken to restore an acceptable level of service.

Kind regards,
[Name]
[Address]
[Postcode]
[Thames Water account number, if available]

Send to: customer.relations@thameswater.co.uk

Step 2: Keep track of responses

Save any replies from Thames Water.
If they do not resolve the issue within 8 weeks, or their response is unsatisfactory, you can escalate the complaint to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW). See next step if that is the case.

Step 3: Escalate if needed

Each household can escalate individually.
In your CCW submission, mention that multiple households on your street are experiencing the same low pressure.
CCW will take up the issue with Thames Water and can push for a proper engineering review.

Open this form and copy paste the template below into it (or write your own email, if preferred): https://www.ccw.org.uk/make-a-complaint

Dear Consumer Council for Water,

I am writing to escalate a formal complaint regarding low water pressure at my property in OX2.

I submitted a formal complaint to Thames Water on [date] concerning the reduced water pressure following their recent “pressure optimisation” works in our area. [Attach or copy the original complaint if possible.]

The response I received from Thames Water on [date] was [unsatisfactory/no resolution], and the issue remains unresolved. Several households on our street are experiencing the same low pressure.

I would like CCW to investigate this matter and work with Thames Water to ensure:

Proper pressure testing is carried out at my property
The water supply is restored to a reasonable level for domestic use
Thames Water addresses the broader neighbourhood impact

I have attached copies of my correspondence with Thames Water for reference.

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards,
[Name]
[Address]
[Postcode]
[Thames Water account number, if available]

Step 4: Share with neighbours

Let other residents know when you’ve submitted your complaint by sharing the link to this post or doing it the steps above with them.
Encourage as many households as possible to follow the steps — collective action makes the biggest impact.

The more households that act, the more likely it is that Ofwat will take notice of our water pressure problems!

In the meantime, Cllr Susanna Pressel has reached out to our local MPs to bring maximum attention to this issue on behalf of our community.