Hampshire residents queue for water amid Southern Water crisis

Hundreds of households in Badger Farm, Twyford, Shawford, Otterbourne, Compton, Chilworth, Chandler’s Ford, Ampfield, Braishfield, Nursling and Eastleigh were affected by Southern Water restrictions.

The crisis, which began on Wednesday, December 21, was caused by the thawing and breaking of pipes following the sustained period of freezing temperatures. Many mains burst across the district and residents were left with reduced pressure and water.

Southern Water set up water bottle collection points in Winchester and Eastleigh for people to get free supplies, with the crisis expected to last into the weekend.

Demand was so high that queues of cars waited to get their water at Fleming Park in Eastleigh and at the South Park and Ride site in Winchester, which built up traffic down the M3 slip road at Junction 11.

FOR LIVE UPDATES READ MORE HERE: Southern Water: Hampshire residents left without water

Southern Water’s HR director George Wakely helped to give out bottled water at the third collection point at the East Park & Ride in Winchester. He said: "The customers driving in have been brilliant and really patient while we work to fix the issue. We've had a steady stream of people but there are longer queues at the South site.

"We chose these sites because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to get to them and we had to consider traffic flow. Large car parks are great but it would be more difficult in city centres." 

Romsey MP Caroline Nokes was disappointed in the lack of water collection points across the affected areas.

She said: "I have made the point repeatedly to Southern Water that it is inadequate to have bottled water stations only in Winchester and Eastleigh, when there are thousands of homes in Southampton without water.

"There need to be supplies of bottled water available where people can access them, including via public transport, which was impossible on Wednesday night.

"I will be raising Southern Water's management of this crisis in the House in the New Year." 

Others queuing at the Eastleigh leisure centre shared the same concern.

Karen Vinsent, 62 from Bishopstoke, said: "It's crazy that there's two in Winchester and only one in Eastleigh.

"It's just regrettable. A couple of days before Christmas. Southern Water is taking in tons of money but not repairing the infrastructure. I feel really sorry for the people who can't get here."

SEE ALSO: Bottled water sites 'may close for restock', warns Southern Water

Josh Moore, aged 24, saw his water supply turn green at about 5pm on Wednesday, December 21. 

The Eastleigh resident said: "Think of all the people who can't drive. I'm going to pick up some extra bottles for my neighbours who can't get here.

"This shouldn't be happening in the 21st century with a company that charges hundreds and hundreds each month."

Parents Alex and Selina Gorman, from Chandler's Ford, woke up to almost no water but felt fortunate that their collection point in Eastleigh was close. The couple queued up at Places Leisure in Eastleigh to get water for themselves and their two baby girls.

Alex, 30, said: "We had a trickle of water in the morning but we don't know if this issue will end and we've got a houseful on Christmas. It is what it is, unfortunately."

Selina, 29, said: "We're really lucky because the collection point is just down the road from us. My friend from Hamble was without water last night and this was her nearest collection point to go to.”

The overall feeling from people queuing, despite having to wait up to 30 minutes in Eastleigh, was that Southern Water did all it could.

READ ALSO: Southern Water warns supplies will be 'restricted' for two days in parts of Hampshire

Tony Marsh, 68, from Fair Oak said: "I had a trickle of water this morning. These things can't be helped but at least they're providing bottled water and the water butts are full from all the rain.

"Southern Water is doing what they can and I'm hopeful the issue will be resolved by Christmas."

Ersen Guven, 50, who lives in Chandler's Ford woke up to no water. He said: "It's shocking but I was aware of the restrictions. However, I hadn't considered how I was going to wash my face this morning.

"Southern Water has dealt with the situation well."

Georgina Lucas, 72 from Bassett, said: "It's been efficiently run, and Southern Water is providing plenty of information. But this is a problem which surely they should have been able to cope with."

Southern Water is also making home deliveries for vulnerable people on the priority services register but some people on the register have remained neglected.

Winchester resident Bob Jordan said: “I am on a system where I should get priority treatment because of my age, but it’s not working, I am horrified. It is a mess. The key issue is they have a system but it’s not working.”

John Reynolds commented on Southern Water's Facebook post: "We are on your priority list, yet no water supplies have been delivered to us. Does not seem to be much point to having a priority list!"

Hursley resident and former geologist Murray Weston believes there is a bigger reason behind the shortage. Mr Weston, 70, said: "It's an absolute disgrace. How can this be happening? Their infrastructure is so bad.

"This water company has been extracting all the cash without fixing things. It's a criminal fashion to let sewage surge into the River Test and Itchen. I've experienced it and I can smell it when I go fishing.

"This is the final straw, this company is out of control and there is something much larger going on.

"The pipes underground do not thaw so I do not believe leaks are the reason behind the shortage."