Yorkshire Water criticised after thousands of Doncaster homes unable to bathe or flush toilets for three days as water supply fails

The problem, thought to have affected more than 10,000 homes in Askern, Norton and Campsall, first emerged on Friday morning, when water pressure fell to a trickle, and has sparked criticism over a lack of communcation by the water company.

For many, the water stopped completely. Today, it is finally back on.

Yorkshire Water brought in stocks of bottled water, but residents were concerned about the time that took and the quantity that was available for the size of the village.

Resident Sarah Sharp, mother of a baby and a five-year-old, was unable to get through to the company on the phone, and could only communicate online. She said there was nothing for people who did not use social media.

By the afternoon she could no longer wait on a promise of bottled water from Yorkshire Water, so went out to buy some.

“All the local shops had sold out,” she said. “I had to go into the town centre.”

She said the lack of water left people unable to shower or to flush toilets.

Yorkshire Water eventually brought some bottled water to her home at 4.30pm.

On day two, the company brought water to the car park near Askern Library, but she said the three pallets ran out.

Services were back to normal this morning. Ms Sharp said it was worse because the pandemic meant people were unable to travel to relatives in other parts of Doncaster to wash.

“How are we supposed to keep washing our hands with no water when we have been told to maintain good hygiene through Covid?”, she added.

“We can’t change our provider like with electricity, because there isn’t anyone else.”

Some residents worked to help others in the community by offering to deliver water to those who were vulnerable.

Mayor of Askern Francis Jackson said at one stage he had seen tankers on Campsall Balk appearing to be pumping water into the system.

But he was concerned about the lack of communication with residents

He said: “People are up in arms because there seemed to be a lack of communication. There was a time when if something like this happened they would have had a van going round with a loudspeaker telling people what the problem was.

"I think people appreciate it is difficult in these times and it is a large area.

"But I couldn’t find anywhere where they were communicating with the locals. Was there no way to come round and let people know how long it was going to take? They need to realise there are people in the community who don’t use social media.”

Yorkshire Water said in a statement: “Over the weekend there was a significant burst in Askern, which affected supply to properties in DN5 & DN6. The problem was fixed and pressure resumed on Friday evening, but unfortunately the repair didn’t hold and we encountered further issues on Saturday.

“We know how inconvenient an issue like this can be – our teams have been working round the clock to fix the problem and support the local community. As of this morning, supply has been reinstated and pressure should be returning to normal.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.