Homes and businesses in Ambleside and the surrounding area were left without water for more than 12 hours.
The issue affected supplies in the LA22 postcode from around 10pm on Wednesday 15 July, until approximately 11am today (Thursday 16 July).
United Utilities says it was due to an issue with a valve on one of its water mains.
Heidi Knopfell, who runs a hairdressers in the town told ITV Border it was particularly a problem for washing dye out of hair: “We gave them the option to have the colour on, but they would have to go home wherever they came from and then wash it off themselves. We couldn’t do that.”
It also presented a problem for childcare and schools and nurseries left without water. Heidi continued: “My daughter, who works here as well, had to bring the two little ones in to work because nursery had to shut.”
One resident told ITV Border they were fortunate enough to have an emergency supply of bottled water and a garden water butt that could be used for flushing toilets, which they were able to give to neighbours as well.
Residents also found bottled water was in short supply, with shops rationing how many each person could buy.
United Utilities said it delivered bottled water to priority services customers.
However, some residents criticised how well they were updated, saying there was very little communication.
Grace Jackson, who lives in Ambleside, told ITV Border she reported the issue on the water company’s website and was on hold for 15 minutes to then be given no timescale on when water supplies would return.
She added: “At 7:50am I got a text from United Utilities just saying they were aware of an issue and they were working on it. So that was actually the first contact I’d had from the company.
“When temperatures are so high right now, it’s the beginning of the summer holidays, town is busy, the sun is out. Everyone needs water.”
United Utilities says their policy is not to bulk text overnight, “based on feedback from customers” but information does go on their website overnight.
They argue it is “generally impossible to give timescales” because “these incidents are fast moving and things can change very quickly. It can also be the case that some customers have no water, others have some with poor pressure and others are unaffected”.
The company adds, “We appreciate this can be frustrating, it would be equally frustrating to give customers incorrect information.”
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We apologise to customers in Ambleside who had their water supply interrupted earlier today. Our onsite team have completed repairs and supplies are now restored. We thank customers for their patience.”
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