THOUSANDS of people across Hampshire have been left without water today after a storm cut power to a treatment works.

More than 20,000 properties across the county either lost their water supply or suffered low pressure.

According to Southern Water, a storm caused a power cut affecting pumping equipment at its Otterbourne Water Treatment Works north of Southampton.

This led to low water levels at its Yewhill storage reservoir and homes across the city and the south of Hampshire experiencing loss of water supply or low water pressure on Tuesday.

The utility company says its teams have been working hard to restore water to residents.

In a statement published this evening, Southern Water has said that supplies have returned in some areas and the situation is expected to improve throughout the night.

However, for anyone still affected, bottled water collection points have been set up at the following locations:

  • East Winchester St Catherine’s park and ride
  • Places Leisure Eastleigh
  • South Winchester park and ride

A company spokesperson added: "We are liaising with authorities to introduce additional bottled water stations to support other customers and continue to deliver water to our vulnerable customers.

"Our teams worked around the clock to repair issues at our Otterbourne site after the stormy weather and power outages last night affected how we take water from the river.

"Customers may also have notice tankers in the area which are helping us keep people in supply wherever possible.

"We apologise again and will continue to update on our social media channels as things progress."

To sign up for the priority services register, call Southern Water on 0330 3030368.

Posting on social media, Cllr Eamon Keogh confirmed that Southampton City Council met with Southern Water earlier today.

He said: “I know you are aware of the water shortages affecting Southampton. SCC was briefed by Southern Water on the actions they are taking to re-fill the reservoir and recharge the water supply, which may take until Wednesday morning to resolve, though we hope for this to be sooner. “

The Labour councillor for the Peartree ward added: “Southern Water has activated their contingency plans to provide bottled water to affected properties until the problem is fixed.”