AN old nine-inch cast iron pipe which burst in Whitecastle led to some areas of Monmouthshire experiencing cloudy or discoloured water late last month.

While Dwr Cymru Welsh Water was working to fix the initial burst on May 21 they encountered further damage caused as the network was being recharged, leading to further problems and a knock-on effect which impacted areas such as: Dingestow, Tregare, Llanarth, Bryngwyn and part of Raglan.

While the pipes were eventually repaired and supply restored, residents continued to experience cloudy or discoloured water for several days as a result of sediment and air in the system with residents advised to run their taps until the water was clear or use the water distribution points set up in Dingestow and Raglan village halls.

Cllr Richard John and Cllr Jayne McKenna worked hard to ensure the residents safety was prioritised and delivered bottled water to vulnerable residents.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped support local residents and particularly want to thank Mike Williams who helped deliver bottled water to Raglan and some outlying farms near Dingestow,” said Cllr Richard John.

“Welsh Water was very supportive, agreeing to our requests for additional water stations at Dingestow Village Hall and the Old School in Raglan.”

Cllr Jayne McKenna said: “It’s at times of crisis that we see the best of our communities and volunteers were been amazing, with many residents checking on elderly neighbours.

“This incident serves as another reminder of the problems associated with old cast iron pipes and while Welsh Water have been upgrading the network, there is a need for much more investment to Monmouthshire's water supplies up to a modern standard.”

Welsh Water completed the recharge of the network with water quality checks by the evening of May 21.