Bottled water will be given to those who have lost their tap supply in Baldock, after technicians confirmed that it could take up to 12 hours before they can start to fix the burst main.
There had been reports of a water leak in Pryor Road as early as Wednesday last week, but the problem became much worse yesterday evening – with most of Baldock left without running water.
Supplier Affinity Water this morning apologised and said a 16in outlet main had burst at the Weston Hills storage reservoir, adding that pumps had been brought in because the main is now under three metres of water.
A spokeswoman said at 10.45am: “Our repair team is on site. The burst main is under three metres of water, so we have deployed pumps to the area to remove the water, so we can access it for repair.
“This may take up to 12 hours to drain.
“In the meantime, we are looking to adjust our network to bring in water from other areas to minimise the impact and restore supplies.
“We will also be identifying locations for bottled water for those without a water supply. We will release details of the locations shortly.”
Traffic management is now in place with a lane closure along the B197 London Road entering Baldock, near Junction 9 of the A1(M), to help ensure safety.
Baldock’s Rupert Hobson filmed water flooding through the countryside south of the town this morning, while walking his Hungarian Vizsla dog Monty.
He saw water gushing out of the the pumping station off Baldock Lane, and running through the fields off London Road and Weston Way.
He said: “The pumping station is flooded, as are the fields either side.
“I can see where they’re working now – the flow through the fields is incredible.”
Affinity advised customers last night: “During this time we ask you not to use any electrical appliances that require a water supply, for example washing machines or dishwashers and to conserve water from storage tanks during the time your water supply is interrupted.
“If you do still have a supply, we would advise you to store some water for drinking, in case your water has to be switched off for a repair to be completed.”
Some people in Baldock who still have water have posted on social media to offer supplies to anyone in need. Among other places, water is being handed out at Knights Templar School.
Affinity expect to provide a further update after 12.45pm.
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