Dozens of farmers in Cumbria are facing days without water after a major supply pipe burst during Storm Ciara.
A special helpline for farmers has been set up by United Utilities as efforts to repair a storm-damaged water pipe near Shap continued on Wednesday (February 12).
Supply issues in the Eden Valley have affected over 8,000 properties and businesses in the district.
One anonymous farmer told ITV Border that the water shortages were 鈥榞etting to a crisis point and if it carries on much longer animals could die'.
Taking to twitter, United Utilities documented the damage caused to the water main.
Update for customers living in & surrounding villages. The below clip shows the damage caused to the water main due to the storm. Our teams have been working around the clock to carry out the repairs. We'll keep our website updated here: .
鈥� United Utilities (@unitedutilities)
Arrangements
Special arrangements have been put in place for 70 farmers and despite 鈥榟orrendous' weather conditions, a new water pipe has been assembled.
The firm has however warned it will take 鈥榮ome time' to put 90 million litres of water into the system, which means farmers in the district could be left without water for a further three days.
A massive tankering operation is now underway to pump water supplies directly into the water network and there are 46 tankers, including several from outside the North West region supporting repair efforts.
An update for farmers across the impacted areas of the Eden Valley. We've spoken to & agreed a plan with 70 farmers across the region so far & are keeping their situation under review. If you're a farmer & yet to speak to us then please call us on 03450726071 if you need support.
鈥� United Utilities (@unitedutilities)
Repairs听
Dr Martin Padley, water service director at United Utilities said the tankering operation was helping to maintain water supplies but added weather conditions and rural roads were making this 鈥榚specially difficult' for driving HGVS.
He said: "It is likely to take another three days for water pressure to build again once the repairs are completed.
"In the meantime we will continue to run the bottled water stations and work with farmers to get them the extra help they need."
The helpline for farmers is 0345 072 6071 and all customers can see the latest information about water supplies on the
