Thousands across UK without water and schools closed after ‘technical issue’

A ‘technical issue’ at Southern Water has caused the disruption (Credits: PA)

A fault at a Southern Water supply works has left thousands of people without water and forced schools to close.

Residents in Hampshire have been left high and dry due to a lack of water this morning.

Southern Water, the supplier, has said that the problem is affecting those in the Lordswood, Maybush, Upper Shirley, Millbrook and Lordshill areas of Southampton, as well as Totton, Calmore, Nursling, Hillyfields, Romsey, North Baddesley and the New Forest.

Seven schools have so far been forced to send pupils home, say Hampshire County Council – although no schools in Southampton have shut yet.

They said the significant disruption has been caused by a ‘technical issue’ at the Testwood Water Supply Works which has meant for low water pressure and even a loss of water entirely in some areas.

Stephanie Davidovitz, Southern Water’s Head of Water Networks, said: ‘Our Testwood Water Supply has run into some issues.

‘We are working through plans to look at how we can restore supply in some areas but it is an emerging issue.’

The water supplier are currently working to set up water stations as an alternative, but have warned that it could ‘take time.’

They have said that vulnerable customers are being distributed water as a priority while supplies are low.

A statement from Southern Water read: ‘We’re really sorry that customers in parts of Southampton, Eastleigh , Romsey and the New Forest are experiencing either low pressure or a loss of water supply.

‘This is being caused by a technical issue at our Testwood Water Supply Works.

‘Our teams are onsite and working hard to fix the fault, however this is going to take time.’

A little over a month ago, residents in Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex and Hampshire were left without water due to burst mains pipes.

South East Water, the supplier, said they were ‘really sorry’ for the disturbance which forced multiple businesses to close for the day.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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