Water supplies stable as burst main repair continues

2 hours ago

Craig BuchanSouth East

News image — Thames Water released an image of the damaged main on Wednesday

Thames Water A shallow hole exposing a large water main. A substantial section on the side of the pipe has broken and become detached from the rest of the main. — Thames Water released an image of the damaged main on Wednesday

Properties affected by a burst main in Surrey have seen their supply remain stable overnight as repairs continue, according to Thames Water.

As many as 15,000 properties were left without water or with low pressure in Surrey and London on Monday when the pipe burst in East Molesey, with some schools closing for the day.

Thames Water later restored supply but said the main would "likely take some time to fix".

"Some customers may still notice lower pressure, but the impact has been limited," the firm said on Wednesday.

"We're carrying out the final checks and planning needed to move forward with the repair safely.

"Because of the size and location of the damaged pipe this remains a complex job, and we need to take extra care to ensure the repair is completed safely and effectively."

Esher and Walton MP Monica Harding said the supply failure was "unacceptable" and "another example of a failing Thames Water".

She called for the government to "put Thames Water out of its misery - and ours - and move it into special administration" - a form of temporary nationalisation.

PA Media A flooded football field next to a gravel works yard. Traffic barriers, multiple vans and workers in high-vis clothing are seen in the yard from the aerial photograph. — The burst main is located near the Island Barn Reservoir in East Molesey, Surrey

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Labour Party conference on Tuesday he wanted to repeal the "ideological ban on public ownership of water companies".

He said this would put the UK on a 10-year path to a "very different water system" - although there was not an explicit commitment to renationalisation.

Thames Water said it had invested £2.7bn in its infrastructure in 2025-26 and planned to increase this to £4bn by 2030.

Exceptionally dry weather in recent months, which can cause the ground to shrink and move, increases the likelihood of leaks and bursts.

Thames Water reported it had fixed more than 1,000 leaks each week over the summer, around 20% more than expected.

A hosepipe ban remains in place across the area served by Thames Water.

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