Major Leak Sparks Widespread Water Crisis
A massive burst on an 800mm water main in a field near Oxford Road, Eynsham, has ripped through water supplies, leaving around 1,100 homes either dry or grappling with low pressure. What started as a minor leak earlier this week suddenly exploded on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, causing chaos across West Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.
Who’s Affected? What’s the Damage?
- Postcodes hit: OX7, OX18, OX28, OX29, GL7
- Hotspots: North Witney and North Leigh are hardest hit, with Carterton and Minster Lovell bracing for possibly longer outages.
- Repair battle: Crews have isolated the busted pipe but face a giant sinkhole—8m wide and 3m deep—making repairs tough and slow.
Thames Water Rolls Out Emergency Aid
Thames Water isn’t leaving residents high and dry. They’ve set up free bottled water stations at key points:
- Witney: Sainsbury’s Car Park, Witan Way (OX28 4FF)
- Carterton: Morrisons, Black Bourton Road
Help for Vulnerable Locals
If you’re on the Priority Services Register, Thames Water is reaching out proactively with water deliveries. Not registered but housebound due to illness or injury? Call 0800 316 9800 for urgent help.
This crisis underscores the fragile state of local infrastructure – stay tuned as crews battle this watery nightmare.
