Thousands left without water after Storm Ciarán hits supplies

Thousands of homes have been left without a water supply following issues caused by Storm Ciarán at Shalford water treatment works.

The problems are centred in the Guildford and Godalming areas of Surrey, where long queues have been reported at bottled water distribution sites.

Thames Water has said the situation is improving, but supplies are likely to ‘only gradually return’ tomorrow.

A statement on the company website said: ‘Our engineers have made improvements at Shalford water treatment works, following problems caused by Storm Ciarán.

‘However, supplies are likely to only gradually return over the course of tomorrow (Monday). We’re really sorry if you’ve been affected by these issues across GU1, GU2, GU3, GU5, GU6, GU7 and GU8.

‘Although the situation is improving, we need to refill underground reservoirs which have run very low.’

Bottled water stations in Guildford and Godalming closed at 9pm, with Thames Water expected to open them up again tomorrow as the supply issue continues.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, the MP for South West Surrey, said the lack of supply was having a ‘big big impact on many people’ – including pubs, which have been forced to close on a busy day.

He posted several pictures of people and cars forming long queues for water and said he had been in touch with Thames Water chief executive Al Cochrane for updates.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Hunt said: ‘Thames Water say their plan appears to be working and they are slowly ramping up production over the next 5 hours.

‘Assuming no issues arise, this will limit any further impact as well as gradually get affected customers back in supply. Full recovery however will take some time.’

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