Thames Water has isolated a burst main in West Molesey and rerouted water around its network, restoring supply to homes and businesses across south-west London. The utility company said all properties were now in the process of having water back, although customers may experience low pressure.
Repairs ongoing and bottled water stations
In its latest update at 8.30pm on Monday evening, Thames Water said repair teams were continuing to work on site to “isolate the broken pipe.” The statement added that “three small trees” were removed in order to allow repair crews “to access the area safely.”
The company confirmed it had opened a bottled water station at Sandown Park Racecourse, on Portsmouth Road, for customers still experiencing low water pressure or no water. A spokesperson said: “We're doing everything we can to minimise disruption and will continue working until supplies have returned to normal.”
Thames Water later released a further update, saying the “network is holding well” as customers see water running through their taps again. A spokesperson said: “We are still on site assessing the damaged pipe and planning the next stages of the repair. Unfortunately, the repair requires a fabricated part and the location of the burst makes this process complex.”
Impact on properties and political reaction
As many as 18 postcodes - 14 of them in the capital - were left without water supply, affecting an estimated 15,000 properties at its height on Monday. It is understood that some 5,500 properties were still affected by the water outage.
MP Monica Harding for Esher & Walton said Thames Water was undertaking emergency repairs and would restore full supply to all households by the late afternoon. In a Facebook post, Ms Harding added that hospitals were being supported by tankers and that Thames Water was in talks with care homes.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the difficulties faced by households were “yet another example” of Thames Water failing its customers. He said: “Thames Water is already the worst water company in England and Wales for leaky pipes – losing an average of 592 million litres every single day.”
Residents report restoration
Residents in Thames Ditton have shared that water supply has been restored, with water now flowing from taps - albeit at “very low pressure.” Homes in Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood, St Leonard’s, Weston Green and Brooklands all have access to water following the burst. “Water appears to be back (Embercourt Road). Rejoice!”, wrote one resident.
Thames Water said repairs to the damaged pipe are ongoing, with teams assessing the next stages of repair. The company said it would be working around the clock to fix things, and a bottled water station would still be opened this afternoon for customers who require it, with its location to be confirmed.
