Homes without water in Runcorn - live updates (2024)

Some may experience water discolouration

United Utilities said: "Occasionally after an interruption, water can be a different colour. This has happened because of a disturbance in the water mains in your area. Historical sediments that have built up over time in the water pipe have been disturbed causing discolouration to your water."

All bottled water stations now closed

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: "Our teams have been working around the clock today resolving the issues affecting the supply in your area. We are aware some customers will still be experiencing poor pressure, we sincerely apologise for this.

"We have now closed the bottled water stations. Thank you for your ongoing patience whilst we work to return the system to normal."

United Utilities issue update as 'good progress' made

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: "We have been able to make good progress in resolving the issues which affected water supplies in your area. While we still have some work to do, you may still see us in your area.

"As a result, we will be closing our bottled water station at:

• Heath Business Park, Heath Road South, Weston, WA7 4QX

"However, we will be continuing to deliver bottled water to those most in need on our Priority Services register and we will be keeping open our bottled water station at:

• ASDA at West Lane, Palacefields, Runcorn WA7 2PY

"This will remain open until 10pm this evening. It may take up to two hours for your water pressure to return to normal. You may also experience some discolouration to your water, this should clear after a short time.

"We’d like to thank you for your continued patience and apologise again for any disruption this has caused."

United Utilities apologise

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and we are working hard to get supplies back to normal as soon as possible. We are keeping any affected customers up to date and we thank everyone for their patience in the meantime.”

Bottled water available

Meanwhile, water supplies from other sources are being re-routed into the area and the company’s fleet of water tankers is pumping extra supplies in to help the situation.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said bottled water has also been delivered to vulnerable customers who are registered with "United Utilities’ Priority Services scheme".

United Utilities has set up some water delivery stations. Bottled water will be provided free of charge to customers at:

• ASDA at West Lane, Palacefields, Runcorn WA7 2PY
• Heath Business Park, Heath Road South, Weston, WA7 4QX

The bottled water stations will be open until 10pm tonight.

Problem confirmed

United Utilities confirmed the problem was caused by a leak detected on the Vyrnwy aqueduct which provides water to the area. Engineers from United Utilities are on site carrying out repairs.

Advice for parents

Halton Borough Council has issued advice for parents who are currently experiencing water supply issues.

They said:

If you need to make baby formula with bottled water due to a lack of tap water, always boil the bottled water first before using it to prepare the formula; however, it is generally not recommended as bottled water may contain too much sodium or other minerals that are not ideal for babies, and it is not considered sterile enough for formula preparation; always check the label for mineral content and choose a low-sodium still water if possible.

Key points to remember when using bottled water for formula:

• Check the label: Choose a bottled water with low sodium content. This needs to be under 200 milligrams per litre.
• Boil the water: Always boil the bottled water before using it to make formula.
• Use still water only: Never use sparkling or fizzy bottled water.

Latest update from United Utilities

United Utilities has issued a new update as of 9.53am.

They said:

We’re really sorry if you’re still experiencing no water or low pressure which is affecting the Runcorn and some localised South Cheshire areas. Our teams are working hard to repair a leak on our aqueduct which supplies these areas. Our water on wheels tankers are continuing to pump supplies into the network to keep as many customers on supply as possible.

Full list of schools closed as hundreds of homes left with no water

Schools have had to close after a leak left hundreds of homes without water. People living in certain parts of Runcorn have had no water, or low water pressure, since Sunday, September 8.

It was first reported to United Utilities at around 9.20am that day and at around 8.30pm the company confirmed engineers were repairing a leak on an aqueduct which was proving "complex". Temporary measures were brought in for people with no water, including providing water from a different area and water tankers pumping additional supply into the network.

Five schools have also had to close today due to the water supply issues. These include Our Lady Mother of the Saviour Primary, St Mary's C of E Primary, Woodside Primary, Blessed Carlo Acutis (St Chad’s) and The Grange Academy.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Areas with water wagons

Bus diversions

Halton Brook Avenue is currently closed for emergency water repairs, services are diverting via Boston Avenue, Central Expressway and Halton Lodge Avenue.

Arriva Routes affected: 3A and 3C

Halton Brook Avenue is currently closed for emergency water repairs, services are diverting via Boston Avenue, Central Expressway and Halton Lodge Avenue

Arriva Routes affected: 3A and 3C pic.twitter.com/TsGyaCb4t7

— Arriva North West (@arrivanorthwest) September 9, 2024

Repair 'complex'

At around 8.30pm on Sunday, United Utilities said the repair were in progress, however it was "more complex" then they thought.

A repair was being carried out on an aqueduct, which is the cause of no water or low pressure in the area.

Another school closes

In an email seen by the ECHO, St Chad's Catholic and Church of England High School on Grangeway will also be closed today due to the water supply issues.

The school has asked parents and carers to continue to check communications for updates.

Temporary arrangements in place

Unitied Utilities said this morning temporary arrangements are still in place to supply water from alternative areas while engineers continue to fix the issue.

People may see "water on wheels tankers" out and about which will continue to pump in additional supplies.

This picture shows tankers on Boston Avenue this morning.

School close

The Grange Academy on Latham Avenue has confirmed the school will not be open today due to the water supply issues.

They announced the closure around an hour ago.

Good morning

Hundreds of homes in Runcorn have been left without water for hours.

United Utilities have been working overnight to fix the issue and it was first reported at around 9.20am on Sunday, September 8.

"Water on wheels" tankers are at the scene.