Air pockets hamper return of water supplies

Air pockets in water pipes have been hampering efforts to restore supplies to properties following a burst main.

At least 12 schools, along with thousands of homes in Oxfordshire, in the OX7, OX18, OX28, OX29 and GL7 postcodes have had no water or low pressure since a broken pipe that feeds reservoirs was found next to Oxford Road at Eynsham earlier this week.

Thames Water said it was gradually restoring supplies but it was monitoring air trapped in the network that could prevent pressure from returning to normal.

An update on Saturday said supplies were "continuing to improve". Bottled water stations remain in operation at Witney at Sainsbury's and at Morrisons, Carterton.

Thames Water said the pipe had been fixed on Thursday evening and refilling of the network was carried out throughout Friday.

It explained that the sudden loss of pressure let air into the system when the main burst, causing air pockets to form, especially at higher points.

"Our teams are actively working to remove this trapped air by flushing the system and carefully managing flows across the network.

"This can take some time, but it will help restore normal water pressure as quickly as possible," it added.

It said some customers may still experience low pressure or no water while the system continues to recover.

The water firm said residents could expect water to return gradually as it made its way through the system and the pressure stabilised.

It added when water returned to taps it may be discoloured at first which was normal and should clear within two to three hours.

At least a dozen schools had to close, including those in Burford, Carterton and Witney.

Following the burst, Thames Water previously said additional staff were being brought in and "special measures" were in place to keep hospitals supplied.

The damaged pipe had been isolated on Wednesday, but excavation to get to it had proved more difficult than expected "due to excessive groundwater".

It has thanked customers for their patience and apologised for the inconvenience.

Thames Water said residents who might need extra help while supplies were disrupted should sign up to the company's priority services register.

Carers, friends, or family can also register on behalf of someone they think could benefit from extra support.

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