The end to freezing temperatures across the UK has left thousands of homes and businesses without access to running water.
Thousands of properties in London, Wales, Kent and Sussex have been left without water after the change in temperature caused pipes to crack and water mains to burst. Companies throughout the UK are warning of low pressure as they try to refill pipes that have lost water due to leakage.
Industry regulator Ofwat has criticised water companies for failing to plan for colder weather and ignoring warnings. In a statement, Ofwat chief executive, Rachel Fletcher, said: “The ongoing water supply problems affecting the country, most particularly parts of London and the South East of England, have been deeply distressing for all those affected. While the recent severe freeze and thaw have undoubtedly had an impact on pipes and infrastructure, this weather was forecast in advance. A number of water companies appear to have fallen well short on their forward planning and the quality of support and communication they’ve been providing, leaving some customers high and dry.
“Everyone’s number one priority must be getting the water flowing as quickly as possible and ensuring that all customers – in particular those in vulnerable circumstances – get the support they need. When the taps are back on, we will take a long, hard look at what has happened here and we won’t hesitate to intervene if we find that companies have not had the right structures and mechanisms in place to be resilient enough.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan added: “It is unacceptable that thousands of Londoners remain without water this morning. I have sought assurances from Thames Water that they are doing everything possible to fix the problems & get the supply switched back on as soon as possible for everyone.”
Severn Trent said it had seen nearly a 4,000% increase in reports of burst pipes, while various water companies have set up bottled water distribution points to provide clean drinking water to those impacted by the issues.
