By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-17 10:56:32 | Updated at 2025-01-21 10:04:17
3 days ago
Tens of thousands of people could remain without water until Sunday after a major pipe burst at a water treatment facility in North Wales.
The crisis began on Wednesday afternoon when a water main was damaged at the Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Dolgarrog, affecting approximately 40,000 people across Conwy county.
Welsh Water has warned that repairs are taking "longer than planned" due to "complex" engineering challenges.
While Conwy councillor Cheryl Carlisle has called the situation "extremely serious" following talks with Welsh Water executives.
Teams have been working through the night to restore water to 40,000 people across Conwy county
WELSH WATER
Engineers have been forced to erect a cofferdam in the river
WELSH WATER
And in a sign of just how hazardous the site is, local councillor Mike Priestley said the pipe "is 13 metres deep and has the highest pressure in North Wales."
The crisis has forced the closure of more than 20 secondary and primary schools across the region, while council offices have also shut their doors.
Residents said there was "total chaos" and "mayhem" at supermarkets as people rushed to buy bottled water.
One Llandudno local described how at the local Asda "staff couldn't keep up" as shoppers filled trolleys with water bottles, while several shops in the Conwy coastal region have completely run out of bottled water supplies.
The shortage has also forced the closure of pubs, restaurants and GP surgeries, while Senedd member Janet Finch-Saunders said she was concerned that farms are running out of water for livestock altogether.
Welsh Water has prioritised delivering bottled water to 5,000 vulnerable customers on their Priority Services Register.
The company is sourcing bottled water from as far as Scotland due to UK-wide shortages, with Eirias Park serving as a distribution centre, while hospitals, care homes and hospices are being supplied by water tankers.
The company has confirmed compensation arrangements will be made for affected customers, including additional provisions for businesses.
The impacted areas impacted include Trofarth, Pentrefelin, Rowen, Rhyd y foel, Tal y Bont, Tyn Groes, parts of Llanrwst, Maenan, Llangernyw, Galhaiarn, Llanfair, Llanddoged, Llanbedir y Cennin, Henryd, Gwytherin, Groesffordd, Eglwys Bach, Conwy and Dolgarrog.
