Wessex Water Slammed By Yeovil Residents Left In Tap & Toilet Water Drought

Wessex Water Slammed for 'Shameful' Response to Yeovil Water Crisis

Residents of Yeovil have unleashed a wave of criticism against Wessex Water after a burst water main left many without access to water for over 15 hours. Despite the utility company’s apology and the establishment of a bottled water station, frustration and anger are boiling over, with locals calling the response inadequate, poorly organized, and dismissive of the town’s most vulnerable.

The Apology That Missed the Mark

In a brief statement, Wessex Water said:
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the ongoing issues with the burst water main. To support you during this time, we have set up a bottled water station at NHS Somerset ICB, Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil."

However, this apology has fallen flat with many residents, who claim it shows a lack of consideration for the elderly, disabled, and those without transportation.

“A Location That Makes No Sense”

The bottled water station at Wynford House, located on the outskirts of the town, has sparked outrage.

Resident Laura Jenkins voiced what many are feeling:
"I  don't understand why they chose a location that still has water, but what about people who can’t drive? The elderly, the disabled, families with young children—how are they supposed to collect heavy bottles of water from across town? It’s thoughtless and cruel."

Another resident added, "Fifteen hours with no water, no updates, and they expect us to trek to the other side of town? Wessex Water should be ashamed."

Communication Breakdown

Beyond the logistical frustrations, residents have lambasted Wessex Water for failing to communicate effectively.

"We only found out about the water station through social media," said one frustrated resident. "There’s been no door-to-door updates, no proper alerts—nothing. It feels like Wessex Water is leaving us in the dark while we’re struggling for basic needs."

Local businesses have also criticized the lack of transparency. "I had no idea what was going on for most of the day," said a café owner forced to close due to the outage. "This is Black Friday—one of the busiest days of the year. Wessex Water owes us more than an apology."

Residents Demand Accountability

As the crisis drags on, calls for accountability are growing louder. Local councilor Rachel Morrow said:
"This is a failure on multiple levels. A single burst main should not leave an entire town without water for hours on end. Wessex Water needs to explain why they were so unprepared and what they’ll do to prevent this from happening again."

Residents are demanding:

• Accessible Water Stations: Additional locations across town, especially in affected areas.
• Improved Communication: Regular updates via text, email, and local media to keep residents informed.
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Immediate provisions for the elderly, disabled, and those without transport.

A Community Left to Struggle

As Yeovil remains parched, the people are stepping up where Wessex Water has failed. Community groups have organized to deliver water to those in need, with neighbors banding together to assist the vulnerable.

But the question remains: why was this left to the people? Residents are clear—this isn’t just a burst water main. It’s a burst of trust in Wessex Water’s ability to serve the community.

With no clear timeline for repairs, Yeovil’s patience is running dry.