United Utilities apologises after burst pipe floods Liverpool street
LIVERPOOL — United Utilities said it was “extremely sorry” after a burst water main on Prescot Road in Fairfield sent floodwater into nearby streets and
LIVERPOOL — United Utilities said it was “extremely sorry” after a burst water main on Prescot Road in Fairfield sent floodwater into nearby streets and forced residents to leave their homes on Wednesday evening.
The company said repairs were under way and warned that some customers could see lower water pressure, temporary discolouration, or disruption at busy times while crews worked on the network. The incident left parts of Elm Vale empty for a time, and a reception centre was opened to shelter those told to evacuate.
Residents moved out as flooding spread
People living on Elm Vale were told to leave after the main burst on neighbouring Prescot Road. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service urged people to stay away from the area as the incident unfolded.
Liverpool City Councillor Steve Radford, whose ward borders the affected streets, said a community centre would open for those who had to leave. He said he had been told the issue should be fixed later on Wednesday evening. “The water level has now dropped but it was quite a scare,” he said.
The flooding hit a busy stretch between Fairfield and Stanley Market, with residents describing sudden water pouring through the street and into homes. One woman, Carmel Bower, said around five inches of water entered her home and about 10 inches collected in the garden. Her family home on Elm Vale was left “ruined”, she said.
What United Utilities said
United Utilities said its teams had isolated the burst and were moving water around its network to keep supplies flowing. The company also said it would use Water on Wheels tankers to top up supplies in the area.
“We are extremely sorry for the disruption caused by this major water main burst in Liverpool,” a spokesperson said.
The company said any temporary discolouration was linked to using different routes through the network while it kept water moving to homes and businesses. “If your water looks discoloured, don't worry - this can happen when natural sediments in the pipes are disturbed,” a spokesperson said.
Compensation and the next stage
United Utilities also confirmed it will compensate residents whose homes were damaged by the flooding. That matters now, because the cost of cleanup, repairs and replacement can rise fast once water gets inside a property. For people on Elm Vale, the immediate concern is not just the repair crew in the street. It is what is left behind indoors.
The response now sits with the utility, emergency services and local council teams working around the damaged main. The next test will come when crews finish repairs on Prescot Road and residents can return to check the damage properly. United Utilities said its teams were still working at the site.
