Londoners urged to use 'as little water as possible' after tens of thousands suffer burst pipes due to freezing weather conditions

The utility firm issued the warning on Sunday
PA Archive/PA Images
Martin Coulter4 March 2018

Thames Water has urged those in London and the south east of England "not to use water for anything that isn't essential" after thousands of people suffered burst pipes due to severe weather conditions.

The utility firm confirmed about 20,000 homes were affected as it scrambled to set up water bottle stations in areas suffering shortages on Sunday.

It said it was working to fix a number of burst pipes after customers reported problems in north, north west, south west and west London.

A spokesman said: "Please do not use water for anything that isn't essential.

"Following the recent freeze we, along with other water companies across London and south east England are experiencing very high levels of demand for water due to multiple bursts and leaks in [or] on customer properties.

"So we are all asking asking all our customers who have water, to use as little as possible while things get back to normal.

"Not all areas are affected equally, but significant numbers of customers are currently without water or have low pressure.

Thames Water confirmed about 20,000 homes were affected 

"We are putting as much extra water as we can into our local networks and fixing leaks and bursts as quickly as possible.

"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."

Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy waded into the chaos, telling the firm via Twitter: "No water in N4 Finsbury Park area in Haringey. Lots of my constituents without water.

"Please update on what is being done to address this. Appreciate lots of problems with burst pipes and leaks today."

The firm's warnings came as temperatures were set to rise in the capital, with the mercury expected to hit 11C on Monday and peak at around 12C by Saturday.

Airports are beginning to reopen and train routes resuming, but some operators have warned of reduced or altered timetables.

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