SIR, Today my elderly mother received a letter from Welsh Water. It came in an envelope marked with Welsh Water's logo and was printed on Welsh Water's headed notepaper. The letter began, "Dwr Cymru Welsh Water would like to introduce you to Homeserve, providers of Water Supply Pipe Cover." It went on to state that my mother was responsible for the underground water supply pipe, "...from the stop tap in the road up to where it goes under the outside wall of your home." and further stated that, "If this pipe bursts or springs a leak, it is your responsibility to sort it out." The letter then explained how complicated and costly this repair could be and finally came up with a special 'Introductory Offer' for Homeserve insurance. Fortunately, last week I watched a TV programme outlining the leakage problems faced by water companies around the UK and in that programme mention was made of new legislation which in fact made this supply pipe the responsibility of the Water Company - NOT the householder. I telephoned Welsh Water and asked why they were offering me insurance for a pipe that wasn't my responsibility. The lady I spoke to said that Welsh Water didn't send the letters themselves, but allowed the Insurance Company to use their logo. She also confirmed that in our situation (not on a water meter) the pipe was in fact Welsh Water's responsibility and we could ignore the letter. (Apparently, the situation is slightly different for those customers on a water meter, as they are responsible for the pipe between the meter and the house.) I write this letter to warn other Welsh Water customers, especially the elderly who can be threatened by 'official' looking mail, not to go ahead with this insurance con before checking their situation thoroughly.
(Name and address supplied)