Welsh Water Offers £20 Daily Compensation After Maerdy Pipe Burst Forces Boil Order

Welsh Water has announced compensation for customers in Rhondda Cynon Taf who were subject to a boil water notice for five days following a pipe burst at its Maerdy works. The incident introduced improperly treated water, containing traces of the parasitic infection cryptosporidium, into the local water system.

The precautionary order, which required residents to boil tap water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth, was lifted on Tuesday. Those affected for two days or more will receive £20 per day in compensation, with payments expected within 10 days.

Residents described significant hardship, particularly during the recent 30C heatwave. Jack Pattison, a father-of-two from Tonyrefail, stated, "It's the worst possible time for this to happen. It's 30 degrees and people are struggling for water." Alan and Christina Jones, also from Tonyrefail, who both have health issues, reported struggling with the requirement and lengthy queues at bottled water distribution points.

Steve Wilson, Welsh Water's chief operating officer, apologised for the disruption, acknowledging the "significant inconvenience" caused. He confirmed that bottled water stations would remain operational "for as long as they are needed." The company initiated a phased approach to lift the notice, conducting extensive sampling, testing, and network flushing to ensure public health.

All restrictions were expected to be lifted across the affected areas by 18:00 BST on Wednesday, following the identification of low levels of Cryptosporidium during initial testing of untreated water.