A business has acquired another company to become the biggest provider of emergency water in the UK.

Water Direct, based at Earls Colne Business Park, has completed the acquisition of Dorset-based company Liquiline, resulting in Water Direct now having the biggest fleet of portable water tankers in the country.

Water Direct works with water companies across the UK to provide bottled and direct-to-mains water to homes and businesses. 

An alternative water supply is used when there is an outage such as a burst mains pipe or due to mains work, so people affected still have access to fresh, quality drinking water.

Gazette: Proud - Water Direct's CEO, Adam JohnsonProud - Water Direct's CEO, Adam Johnson (Image: Water Direct)

The business provides the service through its fleet of water tanker vehicles, standstill tanks and bottled water.

Through the deal, the Earls Colne-based firm will be able to expand, and now has 80 per cent more dedicated portable water tankers than before.

Water Direct chief exec Adam Johnson said: “The strategic integration of Liquiline's assets and personnel into Water Direct's operations combines the industry-leading resources, expertise and geographical reach of both organisations to deliver unmatched quality, service and value to customers.

“The breadth of experience and knowledge across the teams will significantly enhance our operational capacity and agility."