People in the Leverstock Green area of Hemel Hempstead will be sent emergency water supplies because firefighters tackling a blaze at a nearby recycling plant are using up the water.
Affinity Water is getting ready to send out a pallet of bottled water to homes near the fire because they might not have any water during peak times.
The water company has been helping firefighters access as much water as they need to douse flames at the recycling centre in Appspond Lane, which has been burning since 11.45pm on Saturday.
Spokesman Sue Pavey explained that because of the fire’s intensity both of the fire hydrants available in nearby Beech Tree Lane were being used.
She said: “This has affected water pressure and supply to about 20 properties in the area, with reduced pressure.
“During peak water demand times, customers in Leverstock Green may have no water available to them and we have been advised by the fire brigade that this incident may continue for a few days.
“We have therefore arranged for a pallet of bottled water to be delivered to affected customers and further details of this delivery will follow once the location has been confirmed.
“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers and to thank them for their understanding and patience during this incident.”
Fire crews from Hemel Hempstead, Watford and Wheathampstead have been using water jets and hose reels to put out the burning pile of recycled wood on the border of Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.
The A414 and the A405 have been closed in both directions since 3am this morning (Monday) between King Harry Lane in St Albans and Breakspear Lane in Hemel Hempstead. The roads could be closed for the next two days because of smoke.
A diversion from the A414 St Albans Road directs traffic to the A41 Watford Road, A41 Gadeside and A405 North Orbital Road. Motorists have been advised to expect heavy traffic in St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.