THOUSANDS of homes across North Wales could remain without water until Sunday following a major burst in a key water main. The disruption, which began on Wednesday afternoon, has affected at least 40,000 residents in Conwy county, leaving many without access to running water and triggering widespread panic buying.
The issue stems from significant damage to a water main at the Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Dolgarrog. Engineers from Welsh Water are facing “complex challenges” in repairing the damage, as the pipeline is buried two and a half metres beneath the riverbed. Repair crews have been forced to construct a coffer dam to divert the River Ddu in order to access the damaged main, but progress has been slower than anticipated.
A spokesperson for Welsh Water stated: “The repair to the burst water main at our Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works, Dolgarrog, is taking longer than planned. The burst water main is two and a half metres beneath the riverbed, and the volume of water in the river is making the repair exceptionally difficult. We have created a coffer dam to redirect the river and a trench box around the damaged pipe so that we can excavate and access the damaged water main whilst protecting our workforce and the environment.”
Even after repairs are completed, it could take up to 48 hours for water supplies to be fully restored as the network refills. Some customers will regain access to water sooner, but the process cannot be rushed due to the risk of pressure issues, discolouration, or further bursts.
Widespread disruption and public concern
The water shortage has led to closures of over 20 schools, as well as numerous council offices, businesses, pubs, restaurants, and GP surgeries. Hospitals, care homes, and hospices are being supplied via water tankers, while around 5,000 vulnerable residents have received bottled water deliveries.
The disruption has also sparked concerns for farmers struggling to provide water for their livestock. Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, stated: “I am concerned that farms are running out of water for livestock. I have asked if water can be pumped from the Conwy River and taken to farms for the tanks used by animals.”
Local supermarkets have seen chaotic scenes as residents rush to stockpile bottled water. One Llandudno resident described the situation at an Asda store as “total chaos,” telling the North Wales Pioneer: “Staff couldn’t keep up as people grabbed water bottles from the shelves and filled trolleys.” Several stores across the Conwy coastal region have already run out of bottled water due to panic buying.
Councillor Cheryl Carlisle called the situation “extremely serious” and said it would “not be resolved anytime soon.” She added: “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, we will let you know.”
Emergency response and bottled water distribution
Welsh Water has confirmed that bottled water stations will be set up on Friday morning, although an ongoing UK-wide bottled water shortage has complicated efforts. Supplies are currently being prioritised for vulnerable customers, and additional bottled water is being sourced from as far as Scotland. Eirias Park is currently serving as a distribution centre for vulnerable residents.
A Welsh Water spokesperson reassured the public: “Compensation arrangements will be put in place for customers who have lost their supplies, along with additional arrangements for business customers.”
Councillor Mike Priestley emphasised the difficulties faced by repair crews: “I have been told that any water coming out of your tap is safe to drink. This is a major incident that will take time to resolve. The site is dangerous, the pipe is 13 metres deep, and it has the highest pressure in North Wales.”
Affected areas and school closures
Numerous communities have been impacted by the crisis, including Trofarth, Pentrefelin, Rowen, Rhyd y Foel, Tal-y-Bont, Tal-y-Cafn, Tyn-y-Groes, Pandy Tudur, parts of Llanrwst, Maenan, Llangernyw, Galhaiarn, Llanfair, Llanddoged, Llanbedr-y-Cennin, Henryd, Gwytherin, Groesffordd, Eglwysbach, Conwy, and Dolgarrog.
Schools affected by closures include Ysgol Aberconwy, Ysgol Awel y Mynydd, Ysgol Bendigaid William Davies, Ysgol Bod Alaw, Ysgol Bryn Elian, Ysgol Cystennin, Ysgol Deganwy, Ysgol Eglwysbach, Ysgol Eirias, Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn, Ysgol Glan Conwy, Ysgol Glanwydden, Ysgol Hen Golwyn, Ysgol Llanddoged, Ysgol Llandrillo yn Rhos, Ysgol Llangelynnin, Ysgol Mochdre, Ysgol Nant y Groes, Ysgol Porth y Felin, Ysgol Sant Joseff, Ysgol T Gwynn Jones, Ysgol Talhaiarn, Ysgol Tudno and Ysgol y Creuddyn.
Ongoing developments
Welsh Water has acknowledged the frustration of residents and is working around the clock to restore supplies as quickly as possible. The public is urged to use water wisely when supplies return and to check for updates on bottled water distribution points.
The situation remains fluid, and residents are advised to monitor official updates from Welsh Water and local authorities for further developments.
(Cover Pic: BBC)
