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A significant occurrence has been announced as numerous individuals are currently without access to water due to continuous issues at a facility operated by Thames Water.
The water company has reported that engineers are currently addressing the problem at Shalford water treatment works in Surrey, caused by Storm Ciaran, in order to restore water supplies to affected residents.
The company issued an apology to customers who experienced a loss of water supply on Saturday afternoon.
During the period of limited supply, the organization is distributing bottled water at multiple areas. Images posted on social media display lengthy lines at the designated locations, such as Godalming Crown Court’s parking lot and Artington Park & Ride.
In the meantime, local grocery stores have reported that individuals were purchasing bottled water in a state of panic. According to the BBC, Waitrose in Godalming has run out of bottled water.
Chancellor and local MP Jeremy Hunt said the CEO of Thames Water had told him around 13,500 customers were without supply, and a further 6,500 were set to lose supply shortly in a post on X at 3.18pm.
He stated: “The controls for Shalford Water Treatment Works have been reset and they are conducting tests on turbidity levels at lower water production rates. If this proves effective, they can raise production to a level that will replenish the water supply.”
“Thames Water is using tankers to transport water in order to maintain support for hospitals and keep bottled water stations operational.”
Thames Water issued a statement regarding the situation on X, stating that they apologize for the ongoing issues and their engineers are actively working to restore water supplies in the affected area. In the meantime, they will continue to operate their bottled water stations and are also utilizing tankers to replenish the pipe system.
“Severe weather from Storm Ciaran has disrupted operations at Shalford Water Treatment Works, leading to a disruption in the local water supply. Bottled water is available for pickup at Crown Court Car Park in The Burys, Godalming, and at Artington Park & Ride on Old Portsmouth Road in Guildford.”
The Surrey County Council has announced that a significant event has been declared in the region. Tim Oliver, the leader, stated that the council is collaborating with other organizations in the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) after being informed by Thames Water about a water shortage in the Guildford and Waverley regions.
“The LRF has deemed this a significant event. All parties will maintain close collaboration with Thames Water, the primary organization in charge of handling this situation, to communicate and assist residents in affected regions, particularly those who are at higher risk.”
Source: independent.co.uk
