Croydon residents frustrated by persistent water leaks

Persistent water leaks have been flowing onto pavements and roads in South Croydon throughout the summer, leading to frustration among residents who cite slip risks and unpleasant odours. Despite these issues, Thames Water maintains there are no concerns regarding hygiene, environmental impact, or public safety.

Resident concerns over leaks

Residents have reported leaks on Croham Road and Aberdeen Road, with some experiencing similar problems. Jack, a resident on Croham Road, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that a leak outside his home had been running for the entire summer with no communication from Thames Water. He described the smell as unbearable, preventing him from opening his windows and attracting flies. Jackie Harper, a neighbour, noted the leak had become covered in slime and moss, creating an unsightly appearance. She also highlighted the absence of warning signs or barriers, contrasting with nearby roadworks that were clearly marked.

A resident on Aberdeen Road also reported a persistent leak outside his home that had persisted for months, making the pavement slippery and forcing pedestrians into the road. He expressed his frustration to Thames Water multiple times, stating that the company had previously attended in June but had not resolved the issue. The resident pointed out the irony of being asked to conserve water during a drought while leaks continued to flow unchecked.

Thames Water's response and wider context

Thames Water stated that the leak on Croham Road appeared connected to a nearby block of flats. A resident there confirmed receiving no communication from the water company about the issue, which had been bubbling up for months. Thames Water indicated an engineer would investigate and then plan for repairs. For the Aberdeen Road leak, the company said it had investigated and was planning a repair, but needed to coordinate with the local authority, which added time to the planning phase. They assured that a team would be sent to fix the leak once scheduled.

The leaks occur against a backdrop of London experiencing an official drought, with an estimated 20 per cent of Thames Water's supplies lost through leaks. Thames Water reported it was fixing over 1,000 leaks weekly, a rate 20 per cent above normal, and had increased frontline leakage staff by 18 per cent. The company attributed the increase in leaks and bursts to prolonged dry weather, record demand, and exceptionally dry ground conditions. Despite the visible leaks, Thames Water maintained that repairs were prioritised based on factors such as size, complexity, location, and impact on customer supplies. They acknowledged resident frustration over visible leaks while being asked to save water.

Thames Water confirmed that residents would not be charged for the leaked water and reiterated that there were no concerns regarding hygiene, environmental impact, or public safety.