Thames Water Asks Londoners To Use As Little Water As Possible
Freeze and rapid thaw causes leaks in and around Wimbledon
Thames Water has joined three other water companies in the south east asking customers to use as little water as possible while they try to repair multiple leaks and burst pipes.
On Monday morning, 5 March, Thames Water's website shows leaks reported and being investigated at a number of locations across the Wimbledon area, including The Ridgway towards Worple Road. There were reports of low water pressure across Colliers Wood.
By Monday evening, they were still reporting leaks in Lauriston Road and Princes Way in Wimbledon as well as Dorset Road in Merton Park, Burr Road in Southfields and London Road in Morden.
A more serious problem, close to SW19, was a burst watermain off Trinity Road in Tooting, which was causing low pressure problems around the area.
Thames Water's statement says: "Following the recent freeze and rapid thaw, water companies across London and the South East of England are experiencing exceptionally high levels of demand for water due to multiple bursts on networks and an increase in leaks in and on customer properties.
"So they are asking their customers who have water to use as little as possible while they get things back to normal. Not all areas are affected equally, but significant numbers of customers are currently without water or have low pressure.
"We are putting as much extra water as we can into our local networks and fixing leaks and bursts as quickly as possible. We sincerely apologise to all those who are currently without water or experiencing low pressure. Right now we really need all our customers’ support and understanding to help us rebuild supplies in our networks for everyone as quickly as possible.
"Please do not use water for anything that isn’t essential. Where possible, take short showers rather than baths, do not leave taps running unnecessarily and only run washing machines and dish washers when you have a full load. This will make a real difference.
"In the meantime, we are all working hard to prioritise supplies for vulnerable customers, to provide bottled water where necessary and to provide updates via social media and our websites.
"We would also ask all our customers to check their own pipes for bursts and call a plumber if necessary. Outside taps are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures and bursts may not be obvious. Anyone responsible for commercial premises, which may not have been visited since the thaw started, should make sure their pipes have not been damaged.
"We will let you know via our websites and the media when things are back to normal."
March 5, 2018