Burst pipe leaves South London without water for days. Residents travel miles for bottled water amid Thames Water criticism.
Areas like SE19, SE23, SE26, SE27, and SW16 are impacted. Seven schools and three care homes have no water. Thames Water is working to fix it but gave no return time, stating they are working constantly.
Residents find the lack of water annoying. One man said his water was off for three days and he didn’t know about the bottled water distribution hub. It is in a Sainsbury’s car park in Bell Green, and he planned to get some with his car.
One woman was getting water for herself and neighbors, saying she will make several trips. She thinks water pressure has been a problem for a while, as she has lived in Crystal Palace.
A Sydenham resident said her water goes on and off, with weak pressure. She found out about the water station by chance when passing by. Her hot water isn’t very hot either.
Helen Hayes MP criticized Thames Water and called their handling chaotic. She is worried about the big leak because the water station is far for some, noting that people can’t easily reach it without a car.
The water station closed early due to a security issue, with reports of people fighting over water. People outside the affected area took free water. One man admitted he wasn’t impacted but just wanted free water.
Thames Water apologized for the burst pipe issues. They rerouted water, restoring it to most homes, and deliver bottled water to those who need it most. The Bell Green water station reopened, and they are working around the clock.