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Residents in Pontycymer, Bridgend County, are facing potential legal action if they do not pay significant costs to fix a leaking water pipe located outside their homes. Five households in the area have been informed by Welsh Water that the leak, originating from a shared pipe supplying their properties, must be repaired at their own expense. Each household estimates the repair bill could exceed £7,000.
Locals from the Garw Valley have expressed frustration, claiming they have not been provided with concrete evidence pinpointing the leak’s location, which their insurance companies require in order to cover the repair costs. This lack of documentation has caused considerable anxiety among the residents, resulting in many sleepless nights. The pipe in question runs through the rear gardens of the terraced homes, and the plan involves replacing it with a new line at the front of the properties, connecting each house individually.
One of the affected residents, Nerys Walters, described the ongoing situation as extremely stressful, which has persisted for the past two years. Initially, she and her neighbors hoped insurance would cover the repairs, but without receiving any proof of the leak, insurers have declined to pay out. Walters explained, “It’s been a nightmare situation for us that has really caused us all a lot of stress.” Welsh Water has reportedly agreed to fund a new pipe laying parallel to the front of the houses, but the residents would still be responsible for the expense of bringing the water line from the gate into their properties.
Walters also revealed that many contractors had quoted the residents more than £1,000 per metre for the work, and despite repeated requests for evidence of the leak, Welsh Water has yet to provide any documentation. She added, “No evidence of the leak, and no reason as to why they adopted other pipes in the street but not ours. All the while the deadline they have given runs down. It’s been very difficult and we just want to get it sorted.”
Bridgend Councillor Martyn Jones expressed concern over the situation, calling it a “distressing” time for those involved. Having met with a Welsh Water engineer on behalf of the residents, he said he had “yet to see any evidence that one or more householders are liable.” Jones raised alarm about the wider implications, questioning how many other residents in the Garw Valley or beyond might find themselves in a similar predicament. He urged Welsh Water to treat enforcement and prosecution as a last resort and to engage more cooperatively with financially vulnerable residents.
In response, a Welsh Water spokesperson reiterated that the leaking pipe is privately owned and maintained by the property owners, not by Welsh Water. However, in an effort to assist the residents, they have offered a free connection to the main water supply if each house connects individually. The spokesperson acknowledged the inconvenience for the customers and mentioned that Welsh Water is also providing a financial contribution toward the costs of connecting the properties to the main line
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