People are furious after around 100 households were left unable even to flush their toilets after the latest burst water main in their road.

People living in and around Chingford Mount Road, Chingford, were without cold running water when the main burst yesterday.

Thames Water was quick to say engineers had fixed the problem by 4pm and said all properties should have had their water supply restored, but residents claim this is not the case.

Sandra Tait, 45, of Chingford Mount Road, said: “It’s very frustrating. Everyone’s crossing their legs at the moment as we can’t use the toilet. It’s simple things like that that are making this situation a joke.

“People want to have a bath and even down to stuff like washing up, people can’t get any of it done.”

She said she and many others are still experiencing the problems despite Thames Water’s claim to have fixed it, adding that a sign by the burst main says the problems may continue until Monday.

She said: “It’s just unacceptable. It’s not the first time it’s happened either. It happens quite a lot.

"At least once a year. Last time we got compensation because we didn’t have water for a few days.”

Helen Matthieu, 37, added: “It’s the inconvenience of it that angers me. It sounds like nothing, a water leak, but it means you can’t do so many things you take for granted.”

And Norman Frither, 26, added: “I feel we could be compensated. It’s certainly not the first time and it just leaves us unable to do so many day to day things that need doing. If it carries on the house will just stink.”

A Thames Water spokeswoman said: “A burst on a four-inch pipe left around 100 properties without water this afternoon. We're really sorry for the inconvenience this caused.

"All properties should now have their water supplies restored."