51.— (1) In this section “an authority” means a water services authority, an authorised provider of water services or a person providing water services jointly with or on behalf of a water services authority or an authorised provider of water services.

(2) An authority may temporarily interrupt service from a waterworks or a waste water works—

(a) for the purposes of executing any necessary works,

(b) in an emergency, including where an immediate risk to human health or the environment exists, or

(c) in such other circumstances as may be prescribed.

(3) An interruption of service under this Act, other than an interruption of service made in circumstances provided for in subsection (2)(b), shall only be effected after the user or users concerned have been given reasonable notice.

(4) In the case of an interruption of service made under subsection (2) an authority shall, subject to any agreement in force under section 32(1)(k)—

(a) ensure the restoration of the service as soon as possible, and

(b) arrange for the provision to the user or users concerned of an appropriate alternative supply of drinking water for domestic purposes where the service interruption exceeds 24 hours.

(5) Notwithstanding section 19, a notice under subsection (3) shall be deemed to have been served on all users concerned if it is—

(a) advertised in a newspaper circulating in the area in which an interruption of service is scheduled to take place,

(b) broadcast on a radio or television channel generally available in the area in which an interruption of service is scheduled to take place, or

(c) advertised in such other manner as the Minister may direct.

(6) The Minister may issue guidance in relation to what constitutes an appropriate alternative supply for the purposes of subsection (4)(b), and the exercise of its powers under this section by an authority shall be subject to any such guidance.