(File pics) Postcodes across South London have been hit with a water shortage (Image: Getty)
Taps have run dry for 24 hours across South London with multiple postcodes hit with supply problems after a major pipe burst.
said the incident began early on Wednesday and continues this morning.
the affected areas include SE19, SE20, SE23, SE26, SE27, and SW16, encompassing Crystal Palace, Sydenham, and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The reported at one point 11 care homes and 29 schools within the area, which had low pressure or no water.
Engineers are working to address the burst pipe while simultaneously dealing with a separate leak at the Crystal Palace pumping station.
has implemented emergency measures, redirecting water through alternative pipelines to maintain service to as many households as possible.
The water may be cloudy or have bubbles in it which is still safe to drink – the change is due to air bubbles trapped in the pipes.
Residents in the affected areas are reporting either a complete loss of water supply or significantly reduced pressure, with the issue particularly noticeable during peak usage times.
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(File image) Thames Water said supply was still down this morning (Thurs) (Image: Getty )
A bottled water station was set up for the affected area at Sainsbury’s Southend Lane, SE26 4PU, at around 3pm on Wednesday.
However, it was closed shortly before 6pm to replenish supplies, with Thames Water confirming around 8pm that the station would remain closed for the rest of the evening due to “security incidents”. It will be open again today (Thursday) from 8.30am.
A spokesperson for Thames Water said: “We’re sorry to customers in the Crystal Palace area who have no water or lower pressure than normal due to a burst pipe.
“Our engineers are working to fix the damaged pipe, and in the interim, are re-routing water to those in the affected area, so most people should see their water supply returning, though pressure may be lower than normal, especially in taller buildings.
“As your water returns, you may notice your water is cloudy or has bubbles in it, this is due to air trapped in the pipes and is still safe to drink.
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Water supplies have dried up for schools, homes and businesses (Image: Getty )
“Some customers may still be affected. If you don’t have any water, you can collect bottled water from our bottled water station located at Sainsburys Southend Lane, SE26 4PU from 08:30am.
“We apologise to customers who were unable to collect water from this location yesterday as we had to close the site due to a security incident.
“We have been proactively contacting everyone in the affected area who has pre-registered with us as having special requirements, such as being medically reliant on water, so we can make sure we give them the help and support they need. We are also working to make sure schools and hospitals in the area have adequate alternative water supplies.”
They company thanked customers for their patience “while we fix the problem”.