Gatwick Airport faces water supply disruption after power outage
LONDON — Water supplies to London’s Gatwick Airport were disrupted on Sunday after a power outage at a local treatment works, authorities at the airport said, reports BritPanorama.
The issue had resulted in flushing toilets not working and the closure of restaurants and bars, passengers said on social media.
The airport, Britain’s busiest after Heathrow, noted that water supplies in both of its terminals had been affected. “Bottled water is being made available to passengers and staff across the airport and other contingency measures are being put in place to ensure the welfare of our passengers,” the statement said.
Water utility SES Water reported that complications caused by a power outage at Bough Beech Water Treatment Works meant some customers were experiencing low water pressure or a temporary loss of supply.
“Gatwick Airport is being affected but we are working with them while our teams work to restore normal service as quickly as possible,” the company added.
Paul Lee, a passenger at the airport, said he had not heard a word about the shut-off or seen water bottles being distributed. “For people who need to go to the toilet, this isn’t good,” he told the BBC. “I’m taking off soon, so that’s fine, but for passengers in a few hours, this will be bad.”
In light of the situation, Michael Dugher, a former member of Parliament, expressed concerns on social media that with bars and restaurants closed, passengers were sitting on the floor due to a seating shortage. He urged the airport to open those spaces to create more seating.
