Water Restored After Major Pipe Burst Floods West London

Water supplies have been restored across parts of west London after a major burst water main caused severe overnight flooding and left thousands of households without reliable access. The incident occurred when a 30 inch water main failed, sending water flowing through streets in areas including Shepherd’s Bush, Holland Park, Kensington, and Notting Hill. Emergency services reported floodwater reaching up to one metre deep in some locations, damaging vehicles and ground floor properties. Residents described waking to streets submerged and homes overwhelmed by water, with several saying the scale of destruction had not yet fully sunk in. The disruption affected a wide stretch of the local network in London, triggering widespread pressure drops and complete outages for many households during the day. Fire crews and utility teams worked through the night to manage the immediate impact while road closures and safety cordons remained in place.

Thames Water said supply was now flowing again but warned that low water pressure could persist, particularly in high rise buildings and upper floor flats during peak usage periods. The company said underground repair work had not yet begun, as essential ground surveys were required to assess risks and plan safe excavation. Tree removal would also be needed before full repair work could start, adding to delays. Bottled water stations were set up locally for residents still experiencing problems, while the company issued another apology and asked for patience as the network stabilised. Local authorities said they had formally requested assurances that displaced residents would be rehoused quickly and that insurance and compensation processes would be handled transparently for those whose homes and belongings were damaged by the flooding.

The incident has reignited criticism of the condition of the capital’s water infrastructure and the frequency of serious failures in recent years. Local representatives said similar flooding had occurred in the same area before, raising concerns about long term resilience and maintenance. Calls have been made for an urgent investigation into how the main was able to fail so dramatically and whether warning signs were missed. The water company has faced mounting scrutiny over leaks, sewage spills, and delays to upgrades, alongside concerns about its financial stability. While it has said it is undertaking its largest network upgrade in more than a century and plans to invest tens of billions of pounds over the coming years, affected residents say immediate accountability and support are now essential as clean up efforts continue and repairs remain ongoing.