Hundreds of residents on London's iconic Barbican Estate are facing a weekend without reliable water after a major mains leak crippled supplies to five residential blocks. Thames Water has confirmed engineers are working to determine a fix for the issue, which began on Thursday, December 4, and is now expected to last into the weekend.
Emergency Measures for Basic Needs
Around 400 homes in Mountjoy House, Thomas More House, Seddon House, Lauderdale Tower, and Lambert Jones Mews have been left with no water or very low pressure. The City of London Corporation, which manages the estate, has delivered 10 litres of bottled water to every affected flat and brokered emergency access to shower facilities.
Residents have been directed to use showers at the Nuffield Health gym and the Golden Lane Leisure Centre. However, communications from the Estate Office warn that access is on a first-come, first-served basis and that Nuffield Health may turn people away if facilities become too busy.
Fire Safety Concerns and Resident Distress
The situation has raised serious concerns beyond basic sanitation. The leak on Aldersgate Street has also compromised the wet riser fire safety system in Lauderdale Tower. As a precaution, the Corporation has implemented hourly fire patrols at the tower and alerted Shoreditch fire brigade.
For residents, the loss of a fundamental utility has been deeply unsettling. James and Timothy Manningmore, who live in one of the impacted blocks, described the experience as "extremely distressing." They stated: "Basic living requirements such as washing and sanitary needs have been severely limited. We’ve been relying on bottled water and haven’t been able to shower or wash at home."
Thames Water Response and Wider Impact
A Thames Water spokesperson apologised and said engineers are on-site working to access a valve necessary to repair the leak. "We are providing bottled water to affected residents, and our customer representatives will be in the area to provide further support," they added.
The repercussions of the leak have extended beyond residential properties. The flooding has affected a nearby Citigen heat and power substation operated by E.ON. The energy company confirmed that while all customers currently have supply, part of its tunnel network has been flooded. It stated rigorous backup systems are in place to safeguard supply.
The City of London Corporation emphasised it is in 24/7 contact with Thames Water and has identified vulnerable residents for additional support. Further deliveries of bottled water are planned as engineers continue to work on a permanent solution to the Aldersgate Street leak.
