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Update on water pressure in the Bow Bridge and Devons area

We know that some residents in the Bow Bridge and Devons area have experienced problems with water pressure and, at times, temporary interruptions to their water supply.

We understand how frustrating this has been, particularly when it has affected everyday things like washing, showering and cooking.

We want to explain what has been happening, what we have done to support residents and what we are doing to fix the problem.

What has been happening?

Since December 2025, some households across blocks in the Bow Bridge and Devons area have reported problems with low water pressure or temporary interruptions to their water supply.

The problem has not affected all homes at the same time, and it has not been a continuous loss of water.

The issues have generally happened at certain times, particularly when demand for water is high, and have affected some homes more than others, especially flats on higher floors.

We know that this distinction does not make the experience any less frustrating for residents who have been affected. We take every report seriously.

What support have we provided?

We have been working directly with residents throughout this period.

This has included:

• delivering bottled water to residents who reported problems, including outside normal working hours when needed;
• providing access to free showers through local community facilities and helping with the cost of alternative facilities;
• carrying out more than 120 door-knocks to speak to residents;
• carrying out 11 Property MOT visits and estate walkabouts;
• checking on vulnerable residents and providing support where needed;
• sending regular updates by letters, text and via the website
• holding three resident drop-in sessions

We will continue to support residents while the remaining works are completed, including providing additional bottled water while the amber weather warning for extreme heat is in place, in case issues occur again.

What is causing the problem?

We have worked with Thames Water and specialist contractors to investigate the issue.

The investigations found that the problem involves a combination of water pressure in the local mains and the capacity of the booster pumps serving the buildings, particularly when demand is high.

Thames Water has confirmed that the statutory minimum pressure requirements were being met. However, this does not necessarily mean that every flat will always have enough pressure for a reliable supply, particularly in higher-floor homes when demand is high.

Poplar HARCA has therefore progressed a programme of booster pump replacements to each affected block.

There has also been concern about whether nearby new development has taken water pressure away from existing homes. The investigations did not find that water had been diverted from existing residents to new developments.

A joint investigation with Thames Water in January 2026 concluded that the issue was not related to development activity in the area.

What are we doing to fix it?

We are already delivering a permanent solution to improve the water supply to affected buildings.

Works at Langmead House were completed on 5 August 2026, and no further issues have been reported following completion. Works at Rudstone House completed on 13 August.

Works at Shillingford House were completed on 19 August, and Chagford House completed on 21 August, 10 days ahead of schedule.

Further works are now being progressed at the remaining affected locations.

We have also carried out similar booster-pump improvements at five other local blocks between 2020 and 2023.

What will happen next?

Our priority is to make sure residents have a reliable water supply and to complete the remaining works as quickly and effectively as possible.

We will continue to keep residents updated as the works progress and provide support where problems are reported.

If you are experiencing an issue with your water pressure or supply, whether in the Bow Bridge area or elsewhere, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 0800 035 1991.