South London resident without water for days criticizes Thames Water’s proposed bill increases after service disruptions.
Leigh McAlpine, 44, lives in Crystal Palace. Her water went out Tuesday after a pipe broke. Thames Water asked to charge more over the next few years. Ofwat already allowed a 35% bill increase. This increase is for the next five years. Thames Water initially wanted a 59% increase.
Ms. McAlpine said service dropped while costs doubled. She checked her taps for days, but nothing came out. Not being able to flush is very annoying to her.
She bought bottled water for everything, including flushing, washing dishes, and cooking. The water station is an hour away from her home in Sydenham. It is in a Sainsbury’s car park. Ms. McAlpine thinks there should be more stations.
She wants one in Crystal Palace Park, noting large car parks exist there. It is a long walk since her car needs repair. Ms. McAlpine showers at her sister-in-law’s house.
She fears her flat will be last to get water, as it is on the top floor of an apartment building. Ground floor residents report mixed water access, with some experiencing intermittent service. Water must travel to reach her top floor flat.
Pipes burst, causing low or no water in Crystal Palace. Thames Water said they repaired the pipe problem. Thames Water said most got water back Thursday. The rest should get it overnight or on Saturday. Teams are checking the pipework now.
They continue to deliver bottled water to priority customers and the Sainsbury’s water station stays open. Thames Water apologized for the inconvenience.