Thousands left without WATER supply in East London after unknown issue affects residents

Thousands of people living in East London are currently without a water supply.

Residents took to Twitter this afternoon to say they had either low water pressure or no supply at all. 

Thames Water said on social media they are aware of issues in eight of East London’s 21 postcodes.

They added: ‘Our engineers are on site investigating, and will be doing everything they can to get things up and running as quickly as possible.’

On affected resident, Gourav Sharma, 37, from Leytonstone, told MailOnline that they have had no water since 4.30pm.

It meant he and his wife Meena were unable to make formula milk for their six-month-old baby, Ishan, and had to rush to a nearby B&M store to buy bottled water.   

Thousands of people living in East London are currently without a water supply. Thames Water apologised for the ongoing disruption on their website

On affected resident, Gourav Sharma, 37, from Leytonstone, told MailOnline that they have had no water since 4.30pm. It meant he and his wife Meena were unable to make formula milk for their eight-month-old baby, Ishan. Pictured: Mrs Sharma with Ishan

On affected resident, Gourav Sharma, 37, from Leytonstone, told MailOnline that they have had no water since 4.30pm. It meant he and his wife Meena were unable to make formula milk for their eight-month-old baby, Ishan. Pictured: Mrs Sharma with Ishan 

Thames Water said they’re of aware customers in postcodes E6, E7, E10, E11, E12, E13, E15, E16 and E20 being affected. 

The areas include parts of East and West Ham, Forest Gate, Leyton, Stratford, Newham and Plaistow.

Residents first reported a problem just before 5pm this afternoon and it remains unclear what the cause is. 

Mr Sharma, who works as a consultant, said: ‘The problems started at around 4.30pm. There was no water. 

‘It was a surprise, I’ve never seen it before. I’ve had no response from Thames Water. ‘

He said he had to rush to a shop to buy water to make milk for his baby son, Ihsan.  

Thames Water said they're of aware customers in postcodes E6, E7, E10, E11, E12, E13, E15, E16 and E20 being affected

Thames Water said they’re of aware customers in postcodes E6, E7, E10, E11, E12, E13, E15, E16 and E20 being affected

They said 'specialist engineers' are working to resolve the problem

They said ‘specialist engineers’ are working to resolve the problem

‘We had no choice, we had to go to B&M and pick up some water bottles and there were not many. 

‘There’s still no water to flush the toilets so we will probably go to our friends’ house if this is not rectified in the morning.’ 

The father, who is originally from India, added: ‘I’ve been in the UK for the past 12 years, we do face these problems back in India but we use rooftop water tanks which help you survive but here if there’s a problem you have no water at all for cleaning or flushing the toilet.’

He said he spent 30 minutes on the phone to Thames Water but hung up when he was unable to get through.    

Another affected resident told the firm online, ‘We currently have no water at all so please rectify the issue speedily & efficiently as you can.’ 

A third added: ‘Can you please update us with what the issue is that caused such large scale disruption and when will this get fixed. 

Despite the ongoing disruption, some light-hearted residents have already joked about the issue online

Despite the ongoing disruption, some light-hearted residents have already joked about the issue online

‘Water is the basic necessity and we need know when can we have them running through our taps again. 

A Thames Water spokesman told MailOnline: ‘We’re aware of the problem and our engineers are investigating. 

‘We’re sorry for any disruption and are working hard to get things back to normal as soon as possible.’ 

Despite the ongoing disruption, some light-hearted residents have already joked about the issue online.

One image showed a ‘jug of fresh water’ being sold on Ebay for £100.  

Another quoted Thames Water’s tweet and joked, ‘on today’s episode of East London.’