The water industry regulator Ofwat has strongly criticised some of the water companies for leaving some customers “high and dry” in the face of ongoing water supply issues resulting from this week’s extreme weather.

In a statement issued late this afternoon and without naming names, Ofwat Chief Executive Rachel Fletcher described the ongoing water supply problems affecting the country, most particularly parts of London and the South East of England, as “deeply distressing” for all those affected. However, she pointed out that while the recent severe freeze and thaw have undoubtedly had an impact on pipes and infrastructure, the weather had been forecast in advance.

“A number of water companies appear to have fallen well short on their forward planning and the quality of support and communication they’ve been providing, leaving some customers high and dry”, Ofwat’s Chief said.

Everyone’s number one priority should be getting the water flowing as quickly as possible and ensuring that all customers – in particular those in vulnerable circumstances – get the support they need, she added.

Rachel Fletcher warned the water companies:

“When the taps are back on, we will take a long, hard look at what has happened here and we won’t hesitate to intervene if we find that companies have not had the right structures and mechanisms in place to be resilient enough.”