Amazing but true

A whopping 18,000 litres of water was distributed by the tanker on Coronation Square on Saturday 28 July – according to the army, it was the highest volume from one site in the county.

The Mayor praises the town’s effort

Cheltenham’s Mayor, Councillor John Rawson, said today,

The whole town has come together to cope with this crisis in a quite amazing way. Hundreds of people have given their time unstintingly to help their neighbours and their local community by distributing water, filling sandbags, supporting frail and disabled people, and in dozens of other ways. I am extremely grateful for the terrific work the Cheltenham volunteer centre has done to encourage and co-ordinate voluntary effort. I am also immensely proud of our council employees who have worked long hours to delver the services people need and to keep the public informed.

The Mayor continued,

These are difficult times for Cheltenham residents, but our strong sense of community has helped us come through. I have spoken to many residents, especially at the water distribution points, who couldn’t be more grateful for the help and support they have received.

keeping safe at home

Here’s a long, but useful, list of do’s and don’ts to help keep you and your family safe at home.

What to do right now

Bottled water or boiled bowser water remains the only safe source of drinking water until further notice.

The water supply in Cheltenham is expected to be back on tap early this week. As soon as we know for certain it’s safe to drink, we will be letting you know through this website.

In the meantime, please make sure all your taps are turned off to avoid your bathroom and kitchen being flooded, and to help with Severn Trent’s cleansing operation when the supply is restored.

What to do when the water supply returns

Do use the water for flushing toilets, bathing and taking a shower.

Do not

• drink the water – even after boiling it
• use the water for food preparation or washing dishes
• use the water for ice making
• use for cleaning your teeth
• use for making baby feeds

Read on for lots of useful tips about electricity, gas and telephone services, plus advice on cleaning up after flooding.

Portaloos bring relief to shoppers

Twelve Portaloos have been installed at the entrances to Regent Arcade in the High Street and Regent Street.

Water reconnection timetable

The Gloucestershire Echo has published the water switch-on timetable for all areas cut off by the flooding. Cheltenham is scheduled to have its supply restored on Tuesday.

Before the water returns on tap

We have amended these instructions in light of some additional information. Our updated instructions are available in a more recent news post.

Turn off your taps

Water is beginning to come through the pipes. It may be some time before it reaches you but it is very important that you turn off your taps now to avoid internal flooding of kitchens and bathrooms.

Latest news from Severn Trent

Andy Smith, Severn Trent’s director of water services:

Significant progress was made yesterday when an intensive testing and commissioning process made sure all damaged and flooded equipment was operational and fully repaired.

He goes on to say:

Wider areas of Tewkesbury will begin to get water over the next 24 hours, but for the majority of homes in Gloucester and Cheltenham, reconnection is still several days away.

The message is still: If you find water in your taps, please do not drink it, even after boiling.

Some water in Charlton Kings?

We’ve had a comment from David in Charlton Kings, saying that there has been a steady trickle of water in the taps there this morning.

No confirmed news from anywhere else, but if you are finding that water is returning, please let us know by using the comments link (above) on this news post.

We must also stress that it is important to heed these words from Andy Smith, water services director at Severn Trent:

I need to be very clear about the instructions: you should not drink the tap water, even after boiling.

We are still assuming that it will be some time before supplies are fully restored.

As always, please check our emergency water supplies page for the latest information.