Two burst water pipes in Liverpool have caused significant flooding, road closures, and property damage, with United Utilities confirming repairs are underway. The incidents occurred on Elm Vale in Fairfield and Overton Street in Edge Hill on Wednesday, August 19.
Details of the Flooding
Discoloured water flooded Elm Vale near the junction with Prescot Road, while a second burst on Overton Street sent water spurting from a grid in the middle of the road. Footage shared with the ECHO showed the scene. Residents reported discoloured, yellow-coloured water coming from taps as far as the Whiston area (L35).
Carmel Bower, a resident on Elm Vale, described the moment her home was suddenly flooded. She said around five inches of water entered her home and 10 inches gathered in the garden. She said her family's home had been left "ruined" after the flooding struck without warning. Bower said she was upstairs watching TV when she heard "an almighty scream" after her mum discovered the hallway was submerged in water.
Response and Repairs
United Utilities issued a statement on its website for the L1/L3/L6/L7/L8/L17 area, saying: "We have now isolated the burst on Prescot Road and repair work is underway. To help restore supplies as quickly as possible, we have moved water around our network and will also be using our Water on Wheels tankers to top up supplies in the area."
The statement added: "While this work continues, some customers may notice changes in water pressure at busy times or some temporary discolouration of their water. This is because we are using different routes through our network to keep water flowing to homes and businesses."
United Utilities also confirmed it is investigating the burst water pipe on Overton Street in Edge Hill. A spokesperson said: "We are extremely sorry for the disruption caused by this major water main burst in Liverpool. Our teams are working around the clock to isolate the damaged section of pipe and restore normal water supplies as quickly as possible."
Impact on Residents and Traffic
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) attended the incident on Prescot Road, Fairfield, after being alerted at 17:32. Four fire engines attended, alongside Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, and United Utilities. The service urged people to avoid the area.
Liverpool City Council issued a statement saying: "This incident is ongoing. A temporary reception centre is now in place at Edge Lane Police Station for residents who have been evacuated." Road closures were put in place at Rawlins Street, Holland Street, Green Lane, West Derby Road, Whitecroft, Elm Vale, Balmoral Road, Lily Road, Lauren Road, and Holly Road.
Prescot Road was closed in both directions near Laurel Road, causing severe delays and diversions for bus services 8, 9, 10, 10A, and 10B. Bower said: "Our house is ruined. The kitchen's ruined. It's just everything downstairs, all the living room and all my mum's nice new furniture."
United Utilities said customers whose properties have been damaged as a direct result of the burst will be compensated, with dedicated teams working with affected residents to handle claims.
