Big thaw leaves thousands without water in parts of UK

Homes across the UK are facing water supply problems - with thousands of people in Wales and south-east England urged to use as little as possible.

Water suppliers say a thaw has led to burst water mains and leaks.

About 13,000 homes are still without water in Kent and Sussex while thousands of properties in Wales and 5,000 homes in London also have no supply.

The industry regulator Ofwat has said water firms have "fallen well short".

Suppliers across the country say teams are working to fix damaged pipes that have left customers with no supply or low pressure.

Water companies said cracks and splits had been caused by the freeze which are now being exposed as the pipes thaw.

Parts of the Midlands, south-west England and Scotland are also affected.

West Midlands-based carmaker Jaguar Land Rover has agreed to stop production to preserve the water supply for homes, hospitals and schools.

Chocolate maker Cadbury also sent workers home from its Bournville plant but said it was able to continue some limited production.

In south-east England and Birmingham, suppliers say they have been identifying vulnerable customers and providing them with bottled water.

source: www.bbc.com