Fields around Baldock have flooded after a burst main left most of the town without running water.
There had been reports of a water leak in Pryor Road since Wednesday last week, but the problem became much worse yesterday evening as many houses were left without water.
Supplier Affinity Water this morning said that the burst was on a 16in outlet main at the Weston Hills storage reservoir, and pumps had been brought in because the main was under three metres of water.
Baldock’s Rupert Hobson was walking his Hungarian Vizsla dog Monty in the countryside south of the town this morning when he saw water gushing out of the the pumping station off Baldock Lane.
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.”
Quipping that it had become a “riverside dog walk”, he added: “Should try a spot of fishing.”
Rupert took photographs and a short video of the water flowing through the fields off London Road and Weston Way.
Affinity technicians worked through the night to attempt to restore the supply, but have not yet succeeded.
The firm said at 8.55am today: “Our repair team is on site, however the main is under three metres of water. We have deployed pumps to the area to remove the water so we can access the main.
“We are also looking to adjust our network to bring in water from other areas so we can restore supplies before the repair begins.
“We are sorry for the disruption to your water supply and would like to thank you for your patience.”
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.”
The town’s Tesco superstore is reportedly limiting purchases of 1.5-litre water bottles to four per customer.
Some people in Baldock who still have water have posted on social media to offer supplies to anyone in need.
Affinity expect to provide a further update after 10am.
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