Southern Water is one of the largest water companies in the UK, providing water and wastewater services to 4.6 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. However, the company has been the target of numerous complaints over the years, from billing issues to poor customer service.
In fact, according to Consumer Council for Water, Southern Water received the highest number of complaints per 10,000 customers for the fourth year in a row in 2020. This is a worrying trend, as water is an essential service that people rely on daily.
So what are the most common Southern Water complaints, and how can customers get their voices heard?
Backlink
Billing issues
One of the most common complaints against Southern Water is billing errors. This can include issues such as overcharging, undercharging, or sending bills to the wrong address. These errors can cause significant financial stress and inconvenience for customers.
If you are experiencing billing issues, the first step is to contact Southern Water’s customer service team. You can do this via phone, email, or social media. Make sure you have your account details and a copy of your bill to hand so that you can provide the necessary information.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from customer service, you can escalate your complaint to the company’s complaints team. They will investigate the issue further and provide you with a resolution.
Poor water quality
Southern Water is responsible for maintaining the quality of the water it delivers to its customers. However, there have been numerous reports of poor water quality, including a foul taste and smell.
If you are experiencing poor water quality, you should first contact Southern Water’s customer service team to report the issue. The company may send a technician to investigate the issue and take appropriate action, such as flushing the water system or carrying out repairs.
You should also consider reporting the issue to your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO), who will investigate the matter further and take appropriate action if necessary. This can help to ensure that other customers in your area do not experience the same issue.
Sewage leaks and flooding
Southern Water is responsible for maintaining the sewage system in its service area. However, there have been numerous reports of sewage leaks and flooding, which can cause significant health and safety risks.
If you are experiencing a sewage leak or flooding, you should first contact Southern Water’s customer service team to report the issue. The company will investigate the matter further and take appropriate action to address the issue.
You should also consider reporting the issue to your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO), who will investigate the matter further and take appropriate action if necessary. This can help to ensure that other customers in your area do not experience the same issue.
Poor customer service
Another common complaint against Southern Water is poor customer service. Customers have reported issues such as long wait times on the phone, unhelpful staff, and poor communication.
If you are experiencing poor customer service, you should first try to resolve the issue with the customer service team. However, if you are not satisfied with the response, you can escalate your complaint to the complaints team.
It is important to keep track of all communications with Southern Water and to note down the names of the staff you speak to. This can help to ensure that your complaint is dealt with effectively and efficiently.
In conclusion, Southern Water has been the target of numerous complaints over the years. If you are experiencing issues with billing, water quality, sewage leaks, or customer service, it is important to contact Southern Water’s customer service team and to escalate your complaint if necessary.
You should also consider reporting any issues to your local Environmental Health Officer, who can investigate the matter further and take appropriate action if necessary.
By getting your voice heard and holding Southern Water accountable, you can help to ensure that the company provides the high-quality service that its customers deserve.