Residents of nine apartment blocks owned by Poplar HARCA experienced problems with the water supply over several months

First reported	Story	Sources
12 Aug 2026	In August, The Guardian reported that residents on the Devons Road Estate had been unable to properly cook, clean or flush their toilets due to a lack of regular running water. The housing association described the problem – first identified in December last year – as “intermittent low water pressure”, with the installation of new pump systems within the blocks required to permanently solve the problem. It argued that, since the water supply had remained available, albeit with “temporary interruptions”, an emergency response was not required. It therefore followed the statutory Section 20 consultation process under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which gives leaseholders a chance to share views on the costs of major repairs. In the meantime, the RP provided bottled water and alternative washing facilities for residents when water supply issues occur.	IH 98324

First reported

Story

Sources

12 Aug 2026

In August, The Guardian reported that residents on the Devons Road Estate had been unable to properly cook, clean or flush their toilets due to a lack of regular running water. The housing association described the problem – first identified in December last year – as “intermittent low water pressure”, with the installation of new pump systems within the blocks required to permanently solve the problem. It argued that, since the water supply had remained available, albeit with “temporary interruptions”, an emergency response was not required. It therefore followed the statutory Section 20 consultation process under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which gives leaseholders a chance to share views on the costs of major repairs. In the meantime, the RP provided bottled water and alternative washing facilities for residents when water supply issues occur.

IH 98324