THOUSANDS have been left without water due to a Thames Water treatment works issue – with bottled water being handed out.
The utility firm has apologised to people hit in Godalming in Surrey, while launching an investigation into the problem.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, MP for the area, told how a “major incident” had been declared.
He has held talks with Thames Water‘s chief executive Al Cochrane raising his concerns, Mr Hunt posted on X, formerly Twitter.
He revealed 13,500 customers are thought to be without water – with another 6,500 expected to lose supply imminently.
The company told of difficulties caused by Storm Ciarán at Shalford water treatment works.
Mr Hunt said the firm assured him site controls had been reset and were being tested.
He added: “If this is successful, they can increase production to a level that will restore supply.”
Bottled water stations are being run at the Crown Court car park in Godalming and Artington Park-And-Ride in Guildford.
Thames Water said it was also distributing bottled water to vulnerable customers.
A company spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to those people who have no water or lower pressure than normal.
“We are doing all we can to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.”
Mr Hunt welcomed Surrey Council Council declaring a “major incident”.
He added online: “Next question is what the impact will be on schools tomorrow if it is not resolved.
“Also getting messages from pubs that have lost trade from closing on a busy day – big big impact on many people.”
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