Updated: Only 300 Homes Still Without Water – Most of 7,000 Affected Have Supply Restored

Published on: 14 Aug, 2022
Updated on: 14 Aug, 2022

Thames Water has now restored a water supply to around 6,700 of the 7,000 homes that have been affected by “technical issues” at Netley Mill Water Treatment Works.

Homes in the following postcodes, GU5, GU6, GU8, RH4, RH5 and RH12, which include Shere and Gomshall, as well as some homes in Cranleigh, have been affected

Surrey County Council, who are the lead local authority coordinating through the “Local Resilience Forum” declared a major incident yesterday because of the coincidence with the amber heat warning, currently in force.

Just after midday (August 14) a spokesperson said: “Surrey County Council is continuing to work with partners to ensure that people can access water throughout today (Sunday August 14) as Thames Water deal with water supply disruption affecting approximately 300 properties in the GU6 and GU8 postcodes.

“We are in regular dialogue with Thames Water while district and borough councils are overseeing the local response on the ground, making welfare calls, co-ordinating volunteers and supporting Thames Water logistically with bottled water stations and distribution, particularly in regards to our vulnerable residents who may need additional support. Logistical support has also been provided by Surrey 4 x 4 response volunteers over the weekend.

“Residents are advised to visit the Thames Water website for updates and to call Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 if they are unable to get bottled water.

“We would urge all residents to only use water that is essential, while ensuring they stay hydrated throughout the hot weather. We hope water supply is restored as soon as possible.”

Tom Horwood joint chief executive of “Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils”, said earlier: “We continue to respond to this ‘major incident’. Thames Water is the lead agency and Surrey County Council has convened our emergency protocols across Guildford, Mole Valley and Waverley, with the involvement of West Sussex County Council.”

Tom Horwood

“Thames Water continued to deliver bottled water to vulnerable residents. Borough councils may have to assist again and we have requested an up-to-date list of the locations.

“The councils will also re-run our welfare checks for those on our vulnerable lists, by phone and, if necessary, in person.”

“The three water stations are open today in Cranleigh, Gomshall and Surrey Hills Business Park. They will be open again on Monday.

Thames Water says on its website: “We’re very sorry if you have no water or low pressure due to the technical issues at Netley Mill Water Treatment Works. We know this has been incredibly disruptive during the very hot weather.

“Supplies are gradually starting to return to the area, and this will continue throughout the day. As they return, you may experience low water pressure to begin with, especially if you live higher up.

“Our engineers are busy identifying and unblocking air pockets in the system, to help get supplies back to normal as quickly as possible.

“At first, your water might splutter or look cloudy when it comes back on, but this should clear.”

Updates from Thames Water are at: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/network-latest.