Water services have been restored to residences after a significant pipe rupture that led to flooding in west London.

On Wednesday, thousands of residents in Shepherd’s Bush, Holland Park, Kensington, and Notting Hill faced either water shortages or reduced pressure.

Thames Water issued another apology in a recent update on its website, indicating that “some customers might still experience low water pressure while repairs are in progress and the network recalibrates.”

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC) has demanded an “urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the failure,” insisting that local residents deserve “a clear explanation of how the main could fail so severely.”

Thames Water acknowledged that while water supply had resumed, pressure remained low, especially for “those in high-rise buildings on upper floors during peak usage times.”

The company informed customers that underground repair work had not yet commenced due to the need for “essential ground surveys” that must be conducted beforehand.

“These evaluations are crucial for planning the repair safely and preventing any additional risks,” the statement explained.

“After completing the surveys, tree removal will be necessary in the area before excavation can begin.”

Thames Water emphasized its commitment to expedite the work “as promptly as possible.”

Residents have shared with the BBC the damage caused by the flooding.

Julia Talbot, a resident of Lorne Gardens, stated, “Our entire ground floor has been ruined… I don’t think it has fully registered yet.”

Talbot expressed her distress to the BBC, noting that this incident was not the first time her property had suffered flooding.

RBKC also communicated with Thames Water “to seek assurances” that residents displaced by flooding would be rehoused.

The council requested that “the claims process for losses is as efficient, straightforward, and transparent as possible” for those affected.

Thames Water expressed gratitude to customers for their “ongoing patience and support” and announced the establishment of a bottled water station at Chiswick R.F.C. for those still facing difficulties.

Kensington and Bayswater MP Joe Powell remarked on BBC Radio London that such incidents have occurred before.

“This shouldn’t be a regular occurrence,” he asserted.

“This is not new for this particular community—this very street faced severe flooding in 2021.”

Powell added, “I don’t want to leap to conclusions, but we know Thames Water has suffered decades of underinvestment in the infrastructure of London’s water supply, and that must change.”

He emphasized that the immediate priority is restoring water supply and mentioned he would visit the affected area on Thursday to assist residents.

The company has come under intense scrutiny in recent years for its inability to address leaks, prevent sewage discharges, and modernize its aging infrastructure, with issues exacerbated by its sizable debt load.

The government has already appointed administrators to intervene in the event of a collapse.