Thames Water: 130 unfixed leaks in Enfield
Investigation reveals some leaks reported 18 months ago, with 91 yet to be investigated.
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An investigation by the Dispatch has revealed 130 reported water leaks across the borough of Enfield that remain unfixed by Thames Water. Some of these leaks were reported as far back as 18 months ago, according to the newspaper's analysis of public records.
The findings follow a summer of significant disruption, including a major leak in August that affected 4,500 properties and led to the cancellation of operations at Chase Farm Hospital. This incident, a burst main in Bramley Road, took Thames Water five days to repair. The company attributed this leak to 'dry ground' causing cracks in the water main.
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Extent of Uninvestigated Leaks
Of the 130 total leaks identified by the Dispatch, 91 have either not been investigated by Thames Water or are still listed as 'under investigation'. This means the full extent of the necessary repairs is unknown for nearly three-quarters of the reported issues. Repairs were reported as 'underway' on only 14 of the 130 leaks.
Further analysis showed that 26 leaks were reported in 2025 and remained unfixed as of the second week of September. Ten of these had not been fully investigated, while repairs were 'underway' or 'planned' for the remaining 16.
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Longest-Running Leaks and Blockages
The longest-standing leak identified was in Slades Close, World's End, first reported on January 16, 2025. Thames Water stated it would 'review this as soon as possible'. Other persistent leaks include one in Hertford Road, Enfield Wash, ongoing since March 26, 2025, and another in Lincoln Road, Ponders End, since April 8, 2025, for which repairs are reportedly being planned.
In addition to leaks, nine unfixed pipe blockages were reported across Enfield in September. Work was underway to address only one of these. One blockage had been under investigation for over six months, since March 19.
Calls for Nationalisation
The ongoing issues have prompted calls for Thames Water to be nationalised. Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous has written to the Environment Secretary, describing the utility company's record as 'particularly concerning' and advocating for nationalisation 'either permanently or initially through a special administration'.
Charalambous and Enfield North MP Feryal Clark addressed a parliamentary debate on the matter. Clark highlighted the impact of infrastructure failures on critical services, such as NHS treatment, and criticised Thames Water's response to the August leak, including the placement of bottled water stations in inaccessible locations.
Thames Water, owned by a consortium including a Chinese sovereign wealth fund and a Canadian pension fund, reportedly loses around 570 million litres of water daily. The company claims to have reduced leaks by 15% since 2019. It has also faced prosecution by Enfield Council over unauthorised roadworks, resulting in fines exceeding £70,000.
Questions this report answers
+How many unfixed water leaks are there in Enfield?
An investigation by the Dispatch has found 130 unfixed water leaks across the borough of Enfield. Of these, 91 have not been investigated or are still under investigation by Thames Water, indicating a significant backlog in addressing infrastructure issues.
+What is the longest-running leak in Enfield?
The longest-running leak identified in Enfield was located in Slades Close, World's End. This issue was first reported on January 16, 2025, and Thames Water has stated that it will review the situation as soon as possible.
+What has been the impact of recent major leaks?
A major leak in August affected 4,500 properties and led to the cancellation of routine operations at Chase Farm Hospital. Another significant leak in early September also impacted supplies at the hospital and took five days to locate and fix.
+What are the calls regarding Thames Water's performance?
Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous has called for Thames Water to be nationalised due to its concerning record. This follows a parliamentary debate where MPs discussed the impact of infrastructure failures on public services and customer service.
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This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
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