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Be aware of the dangers - Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed is a really nasty plant which can cause severe burns if you come into contact with it. Learn how to recognise it and keep clear!

Growing up to five metres tall, it is mostly found along footpaths and riverbanks, although it also grows in places like parks, cemeteries and wasteland. This is what it looks like:

Giant Hogweed image

The plant’s sap contains chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing blistering within 48 hours. Effectively, it prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, which can lead to very bad sunburn and scarring. The blisters heal very slowly and the affected skin can remain sensitive to sunlight for years afterwards, resulting in a type of skin rash which flares up in sunlight.

We do our best to remove this plant if we know we have it on our land. Unfortunately though, it is a very invasive species, it is not easy to remove and it does spread, especially along streams and river banks.

If you spot any on our land, please tell us about it by calling us on 03456 723 723.

What should you do if you come into contact with it?

If you touch a Giant Hogweed, you should cover the affected area, and wash it with soap and water. If you feel unwell or have a severe reaction you are advised to see a doctor.

Important Notice

Cold Weather

Due to the freezing weather conditions across the region a number of our customers are experiencing no water or reduced pressure, caused by frozen pipes in their home. There are a few things you can do to check if you have frozen pipes. If you are unable to complete these checks please reach out to your family, friends or neighbours to see if they can help:

  1. If there are no local issues check with your neighbours. If they have water, you may have a frozen pipe in your property.
  2. Here’s what to do. Turn off your stop tap by turning it clockwise, it’s usually found under your kitchen sink, but can be in your garage or cellar.
  3. Once you’ve turned your stop tap off, turn on your cold tap in the kitchen
  4. If you have no water, this could be due to a frozen pipe somewhere in your home. This may be the pipe which comes into your home near to where your stop tap is located.
  5. Carefully thaw the pipe using a warm towel, or if safe to do so a hairdryer in short bursts, ensuring you keep well away from water. If you can get water from a neighbour you could try a hot water bottle too. This could take a while, depending on how frozen and big your pipes are.
  6. Switch your stop tap back on to see if the water is running.

You can find more information at www.unitedutilities.com/frozenpipes.

If you have followed all of the advice provided and still want to talk to us, please give us a call. As we are experiencing really high call volumes at the moment, please bear with us as wait times will be longer than usual. 

Due to the freezing weather conditions across the region a number of our customers are experiencing no water or reduced pressure, caused by frozen pipes in their home. For more help and advice if you have a frozen pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/frozenpipes.

Cold Weather

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