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Water supply 90% back despite overnight bursts

Jacob Cousins Picture shows flooding in a residential street. Welsh water engineers stand in front of a Welsh Water van working to sort the problem. Jacob Cousins
There have been reports of more burst mains in Conwy county as the network refills

Water supplies have been restored to 90% of homes after major disruption despite more bursts overnight.

On Sunday evening Welsh Water said supply was returning to Llysfaen, Llanddulas, Betws yn Rhos, Peulwys and Gwytherin but added air in the network was believed to be affecting supply to parts of Old Colwyn.

A burst pipe at a treatment plant in Dolgarrog is thought to have affected about 40,000 homes since Wednesday, closing some schools and businesses.

Welsh Water said it repaired a number of smaller leaks and bursts overnight as the system re-pressurised after emptying.

Fire fighters lend a hand putting water supplies into cars of those in need at Eirias Park on Sunday.
Despite restored water flow for many, Eirias Park distribution centre remained busy on Sunday

Some people were still without water by midday on Sunday, including Robert Mawdesley in Colwyn Bay, who said he is still washing in the sink because he can't shower.

"I had a text from Welsh Water saying 90% were back on but apparently ours has got a pump in the woods that it's got to be fed to," he said.

Another Colwyn Bay resident, Brian Tehan, said he was thankful he took precautions before he lost his water supply on Thursday, but he was worried for those who did not.

"I started filling up buckets, bottles and kettles in preparation and put the news around to friends and family," said Mr Tehan.

"I will be worried about those who were less nimble and didn't have those social contacts, those living alone who would be cut off and found the tap has run dry," he added.

Mr Tehan said dirty water supplies for flushing have lasted well, but he had used distribution centres to top up on drinking water.

Brain Tehan from Colwyn Bay.
Brian Tehan took precautions before his taps ran dry but says he is worried for those who did not get the chance

There were reports from residents on social media on Saturday evening of a burst pipe on Pentywyn Hill in Deganwy, Llandudno, and also one in Fairways in Llandudno.

One woman in Fairways asked for sandbags at about 22:00 GMT on Saturday, saying house floors and garages were at risk of flooding.

Welsh Water said inspectors were out on the ground to help manage and mitigate any leaks so supplies can be maintained.

The damaged pipe in Dolgarrog was fixed on Friday afternoon, but the company warned it may take 48 hours for supplies to return to normal.

Jacob Cousins Picture shows flooding in a residential street. Welsh water engineer stands in front of a Welsh Water van working to sort the problem. Jacob Cousins
A burst pipe at Fairways in Llandudno has caused a blocked drain and some flooding

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast on Saturday, the company's chief executive, Peter Perry, said the system suffered a "catastrophic failure" caused by ground movement, which could not have been foreseen or prevented.

Bottled water stations have been set up at four stations in Conwy, running in Park Eirias in Colwyn, Zip World Conwy, Llandudno West Shore car park and Bodlondeb site.

Welsh Water said on Sunday alternative water supplies would continue to be in place.