Thousands of homes across West London were left without running water for several hours after a major burst pipe caused widespread disruption on Tuesday evening.
The incident began at around 7.30pm, initially affecting homes in Chiswick before spreading to parts of Acton, Shepherd’s Bush and White City. Residents reported having no access to running water, leaving them unable to shower, wash their hands or access drinking water from their taps.
Thames Water later confirmed that a large water main had burst on Acton Lane, causing both flooding on the road and interruptions to water supplies across the area. A specialist team located the damaged pipe around 90 minutes after the disruption began.
The water company said the burst led to varying levels of disruption, with some homes experiencing low pressure while others lost water completely.
Water supplies began returning to some homes in the W3 area from around 11pm, and by 12.30am the damaged pipe had been isolated and water rerouted across the W3, W4 and W12 postcodes.
However, many properties continued to experience low water pressure.
Thames Water advised residents living in blocks of flats to contact their managing agents if internal pumps required resetting after supplies were restored. The company also warned that water may initially appear discoloured when supplies return, describing this as a normal occurrence following such incidents.
Repair works have continued throughout Wednesday and into Thursday, with teams remaining on site on Acton Lane.
In its latest update, Thames Water said customers should continue to have access to water after supplies were rerouted through the local network, though lower pressure may still occur during periods of high demand.
The company said: “Our teams remain on site on Acton Lane, where excavation works are continuing to prepare the damaged water main for repair. Once the excavation is complete, repair work will begin as quickly and safely as possible.”
“We’ve kept water flowing to customers by rerouting supplies through the local network, and all customers should continue to have water. However, you may still notice lower water pressure during periods of high demand while repairs are underway.”
Acton Lane remains closed while repair work continues, with motorists advised to allow extra time for journeys and follow diversion routes.
Thames Water has not yet provided a timeframe for when full normal service will be restored, but said updates will continue to be published as repair work progresses.
