Slow return of water supply to south London homes

Thames Water loses 24% of the water it supplies

Homes in south London may temporarily lose their water supply as it slowly returns to normal, Thames Water has said.

Some households have been without water since Tuesday evening, following a burst pipe.

Reiterating its apology to thousands of customers affected in Crystal Palace, Forest Hill, Sydenham, West Norwood and Streatham, the firm said it had diverted water from other areas meaning lower pressure for customers in taller buildings.

On Friday, locals told BBC London it had been "absolutely abysmal" and the communication from Thames Water had been "woeful".

Residents have been told by the company that if water is cloudy or contains bubbles it "is due to air trapped in the pipes and is still safe to drink".

Seven schools and three care homes were among the properties affected by the leak in the SE19, SE20, SE23, SE26, SE27 and SW16 postcodes.

On Friday, Thames Water said it would challenge the water regulator Ofwat's ruling to limit price rises to 35% over the next five years.

The UK's largest utility company claims this rise "does not appropriately support the investment and improvement that is required for Thames Water to deliver for its customers, communities and the environment".

That came just two days after bosses admitted it will not complete more than 100 environmental schemes funded by customers, prompting an investigation by Ofwat.

Thames Water loses 24% of the water it supplies, in leaks.