Tens of thousands of residents across North Lincolnshire experienced significant disruption to their water supply after two pipes burst overnight, with Anglian Water confirming that 36,000 people in Scunthorpe and surrounding communities were affected by the incident.
The water company became aware of the first burst pipe feeding the Stonewall Reservoir, which supplies part of Scunthorpe, on Wednesday 16 September. A second pipe then ruptured during repair work to address the initial failure, which temporarily halted water flowing into the reservoir. The dual failures left customers
experiencing low pressure, intermittent supplies, or no water, according to a company spokesperson.
The disruption extended across a wide geographical area. Affected communities included Gunness, Kirton in Lindsey, Scawby and Hibaldstow, with the incident first reported in coverage at 09:12:41 on 17 September 2026.
Which schools and services were closed?
Multiple educational institutions shut their doors due to the water shortage. John Leggott College, Messingham Primary School, St Hugh's School and St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy all closed for the day. Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that Scunthorpe Hospital remained unaffected because the facility operates its own independent water storage tanks on site.
What was the company's response?
Anglian Water stated that the first pipe had been temporarily repaired and water was beginning to flow back into the network, though work continued on the second pipe. A spokesperson expressed regret, saying
We're really sorry that some customers may be experiencing low water pressure, or even no water at all.
The company delivered bottled water to vulnerable customers and urged all residents to restrict water use to essential purposes only. Residents responded by stocking up on bottled water from local supermarkets as supplies became uncertain.
When will supply be fully restored?
Anglian Water provided no confirmed timescale for complete restoration. The company warned that
There is currently no confirmed timescale for full restoration. Even once repairs are completed, it will take time for the Stonewall reservoir to refill and for water to move through the network.Customers faced the possibility of further disruption while the system recovered, with the risk of losing supply later or overnight if reservoir levels continued to decline.
This incident reflects broader pressures on the region's water infrastructure. Anglian Water has previously linked burst mains to hot weather and ground movement, factors that can increase pipe failures during dry periods. The company has also recently warned that heavy rainfall is needed to replenish supplies across the region, highlighting ongoing challenges to water security in the area.
Key Facts
- 36,000 people in Scunthorpe and surrounding areas lost water supply or experienced low pressure after two pipes burst
- Multiple schools and colleges closed on 17 September 2026 due to the disruption
- Scunthorpe Hospital was unaffected due to its independent water storage facilities
- No confirmed timescale was given for full restoration, with recovery expected to take considerable time even after repairs were completed
- Anglian Water delivered bottled water to vulnerable customers and urged residents to use water only for essential purposes
