By Mollie Hinds
Students living at Newarke Point accommodation flats at De Montfort University have been left without running water for four days, causing major disruption to daily life and forcing residents to rely on temporary facilities.
The Homes for Students building in Leicester has been using a water tank placed in the student car park, with a tap attached to provide limited access to water.
However, residents were warned that the water could have a “slightly metallic taste,” leading many students to buy bottled water from nearby shops such as Tesco Express for drinking and cooking.
To help manage the situation, staff have arranged alternative facilities for residents. Students have been given access to showers at the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre, which is about a 10-minute walk from the accommodation.
Staff also advised that toilet facilities are available 24 hours a day at De Montfort University’s Kimberlin Library.
The issue first began last Tuesday(JAN6) at about midday when the water supply was cut off before briefly returning at 3pm.
However, the temporary water supply ran out again later that evening at approximately 8.30pm.
On Wednesday, students received an email explaining that Severn Trent Water’s supply was still not sufficient to meet the demand of the building, meaning the water tanks continued to empty and the system had to be shut off again.
Homes For Students sent an email informing residents “the location of this leak has been identified, and a crew will be coming to excavate the ground and repair this section of pipework on Monday.
“The engineers have advised it is safe to resume water usage even with this ground leak until the works can take place, and as such we are restoring water to the premises now. Working tirelessly to find ways to resolve this issue and look after our residents.”
Keren Bongonogo, a student living at Newarke Point, said: “It’s just frustrating. If I want to get a shower, I’ve got to pack a bag and walk to the leisure centre in this cold. It’s just annoying.”
Many residents have expressed frustration over the lack of water and the disruption it has caused, particularly during colder weather.
Another resident, Evie Farrow, added: “One day is fair enough because it’s the first time it’s happened, but they should have put measures in place after 24 hours. Instead, they waited until three days.
“Water is a necessity, this is a lot of people’s first time living by themselves and doing everything on their own. Not having water creates issues with hygiene, staying hydrated, cook, laundry and the pots and sinks are going to start to smell after a while.”
