Technical failure leaves thousands without water
A technical failure during routine maintenance at the Arkley Reservoir left thousands of residents in Barnet and Finchley without water on Monday 20th February, with some still waiting for their supply to be returned. Affinity Water, who are responsible for the water supply in Barnet, first received calls around 13:30 and sent teams out to resolve the problem. Despite initial optimism that the fault would be resolved quickly, most did not get water supplies returned until the morning of Tuesday 21st.
Some parts of Barnet – such as East Barnet – still remain without, and many still do not have full water pressure. Affinity Water has set up centres to distribute bottled water to those still affected.
Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore said:
“The disruption to water supplies has affected thousands of my constituents. Residents were unable to cook, clean or even do simple things like make a tea or coffee. It has been a very stressful time for many, not least those who are still without a supply.
“Whilst accidents happen, it adds to my frustrations about the supply of water in London generally. Thames Water were up before the London Assembly Environment Committee last month after floods in Islington and Hackney were managed extremely poorly. I think Affinity Water have done a better job, but I am worried that our utilities infrastructure is not up to scratch. This is especially true during the extensive development going on throughout the borough.”
