WEATHER

Thames Water under fire after storm leaves thousands high and dry

Bottles given out in Guildford and Godalming after trouble at treatment works
Adam Vaughan
, Environment Editor |
Constance Kampfner
The Times
Bottles being handed out in Godalming, Surrey, where almost 12,000 people are without running water
Bottles being handed out in Godalming, Surrey, where almost 12,000 people are without running water
JOE SENE/PA
Adam Vaughan
, Environment Editor |
Constance Kampfner
The Times

Campaigners have blamed a lack of investment by Thames Water after more than 13,000 people in Surrey were left without water following Storm Ciarán.

Thames Water apologised on Monday morning after it was late to open bottled water stations to help residents. “We’ve now reopened our two bottled water stations, after Storm Ciarán caused issues at Shalford water treatment works. We’re really sorry for the delay in doing so,” the firm said.

There remains no water or low pressure in Guildford and the surrounding areas, covering postcodes GU1 to GU8. Underground reservoirs have run “very low”, and Thames Water said supplies will “only gradually return” throughout Monday.

Storm Ciarán hit the south coast on Thursday, moving up through Surrey and causing flooding
Storm Ciarán hit the south coast on Thursday, moving up through Surrey and causing flooding
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Schools in the area have closed and children are being taught online. Charterhouse, a private school in Godalming,