Homes across Croydon have been left without water or facing low pressure after a burst water main in Coombe Lane.
Thames Water teams remain on site in Coombe Lane, working to restore normal supplies. The company says it is waiting for specialist fittings to arrive so it can complete the repair to the burst main.
In a statement issued at 1pm today (November 3), Thames Water said: “Our teams remain on site and are ready to continue repair work as soon as the materials arrive.”
“In the meantime, we’re focused on maintaining water supplies to customers using water tankers and other temporary measures across the local network.”
“While most customers continue to have water, some properties may experience low water pressure or a loss of supply.”
“Additional tanker support has been deployed today to help improve supplies in the affected area, and we continue to support water-dependent customers, schools, and other local community facilities.”
The company said it would provide another update by 5pm today.
The repair has turned out to be bigger than first thought. Overnight excavation works showed the damaged section of pipe needed a more extensive repair than initially expected, and additional fittings and pipework are being sourced to enable the permanent repair to be completed safely and minimise the risk of further issues once the main is returned to service.
An initial repair has been carried out, but there is still work to do before the permanent repair can be completed and the water main returned to normal operation. Thames Water said it is monitoring the network and supporting water-dependent customers, and delivering bottled water where needed.
Coombe Lane is closed while Thames Water carries out repairs, with traffic management in place to allow teams to work safely. Motorists have been asked to follow local diversions and allow extra time for their journeys.
The company added: “We’re sorry for the disruption and thank customers for their continued patience while we work to complete the repair and restore normal service as quickly as possible.”
What is not yet known: how many properties are affected in total, or exactly when the permanent repair will be finished. Thames Water has not given a restoration time beyond its promised 5pm update.
