Community
Print
Thousands of people across the UK are without water after freezing weather conditions last week.
After the cold snap – known as ‘the Beast from the East’ – a sudden rise in temperature caused frozen pipes to burst.
After three days, homes and businesses across London, Kent, Sussex and Wales still have no supply – and are relying on bottled water.
Homes
According to reports, around 1,500 properties in Wales remain without water.
Approximately 5,000 people are still cut off in London, according to supplier Thames Water.
Up to 13,000 homes across Kent and Sussex have no water – with more people in surrounding areas facing low water pressure.
Criticism
Water suppliers have been criticized for not planning ahead properly, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan saying the shortage is ‘unacceptable’.
Industry regulator Ofwat said it would take a ‘long, hard look at what has happened’ to see why water suppliers fell ‘well short’.
Ofwat Chief Executive, Rachel Fletcher, said: “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.”
