Tens of thousands of Brits could be without water for DAYS after pipe bursts – forcing dozens of schools to close
TENS of thousands of Brits could be without water for days after a major pipe burst - forcing dozens of schools to close.
About 40,000 homes and 40 schools and education centres have been impacted by the incident at a local treatment plant.
At least 20 schools are yet to reopen following the pipe rupture at the Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Conwy, Wales, on Wednesday afternoon.
The pipe is situated two metres below the Afon River, and Dwr Cymru engineers have been doing all they can to rectify the situation.
Unfortunately to no avail - as two days on - 8,000 homes are still without water.
Pubs, GP's, restaurants and council offices are also yet to reopen.
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Locals claim it's "total chaos" in local supermarkets, with people buying bulk bottles of water.
However, the situation has caused nearby residents to unite and support those in need right now.
One local posted to a Facebook page: "Urgent!!! Water needed.
"Has anyone local to Old Colwyn got a water supply I could use please to help others?
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"I have been able to source two big bottles which are brand-new, so they are clean, but I need to refill them after delivering the water to other people already.
"I am helping councillor Cheryl Carlisle who is co-ordinating everything as best as she can.
";I have a list of people who desperately need water.
"As close to Old Colwyn as possible so I can get there and back quickly."
Comments from supportive locals flooded in.
One person replied: "There is big water truck on errias park for filling up water."
And another said: "I live in Abergele and waters fine here - happy to fill bottles up if I can help for anyone?"
Followed by a third: "Lidl in Colwyn bay has bottles of sparkling water."
And then a third said: "I'm on queesway I have slow running water I can fill some bottles if anyone needs."
THE COUNCIL REACTS
Conwy Councillor Cheryl Carlisle said: "Conwy councillors have just been updated on the burst water main situation by the CEO of Dwr Cymru. It is extremely serious, and will not be resolved anytime soon.
"A pipe two metres below the Afon Ddu river in Dolgarrog has burst, and Dwr Cymru engineers are having to dam the river to try and repair the pipe.'
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"Shops locally are now sold out of bottled water due to panic buying, which is very unhelpful to our vulnerable residents.
"As soon as we know where and when the bottled water stations are going to be set up, then we will let you know."