A significant Glasgow water main break on Shettleston Road has led to road closures, water supply disruptions, and emergency response efforts across the East End. The incident, confirmed by Scottish Water and Glasgow City Council, occurred on 29 July 2025 when a high-pressure pipe burst near the junction with St Mark Street, causing severe flooding and infrastructure damage.
This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date report on the Glasgow water main break on Shettleston Road, including affected areas, repair progress, traffic diversions, water safety advice, and official statements. Written in clear UK English and structured using semantic SEO principles, this content is designed to rank at the top for the keyword while delivering real value to users.
Table of Contents
- What Happened? Incident Overview
- Location and Immediate Impact
- Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
- Water Supply Outage: Affected Areas
- Repair Efforts and Restoration Timeline
- Is the Water Safe? What to Do If It’s Discoloured
- Official Statements from Scottish Water & Council
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion: Staying Informed After the Break
What Happened? Incident Overview
On Thursday, 29 July 2025, a major water main burst beneath Shettleston Road, Glasgow, triggering an emergency response from Scottish Water and local authorities. The rupture caused sudden flooding, forcing the closure of key road sections and disrupting water supplies to homes and businesses in the G32 postcode area.
The break is believed to have occurred due to a combination of ageing infrastructure and pressure fluctuations. Engineers were dispatched immediately to isolate the fault and begin urgent repairs.
Location and Immediate Impact
The Glasgow water main break on Shettleston Road is centred near the junction with St Mark Street, affecting multiple surrounding areas. This location is a critical transport and residential corridor in Glasgow’s East End.
Key impacts include:
- Severe surface flooding
- Loss of water pressure or complete outage
- Disruption to daily commutes and public services
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
Glasgow City Council confirmed the following closures due to safety concerns and repair work:
| Road Section | Direction | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Shettleston Road | Between Old Shettleston Rd & Fernan St | Completed |
| Shettleston Road | Westbound (Westmuir St to Hart St) | Completed |
| Junction of Shettleston Rd & Hart St | All directions | Completed |
Traffic advice: Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes such as Cumbernauld Road or Alexandra Parade. Diversions are in place, and emergency services are managing access.
Water Supply Outage: Affected Areas
Scottish Water confirmed that customers in the following areas may experience:
- No water supply
- Low or intermittent pressure
- Discoloured (brown) or air-filled (white) water upon restoration
Primary affected postcode: G32 (Shettleston, Riddrie, parts of Tollcross)
Engineers are working to restore supply to all homes and businesses as quickly as possible. A temporary water distribution point may be set up if needed.
Repair Efforts and Restoration Timeline
Scottish Water teams are on-site conducting the following actions:
- Isolating the burst main using valve operations
- Excavating the site to access the damaged pipe
- Replacing the ruptured section of the water main
- Reinstating the road surface after repairs
Current status: Ongoing isolation and repair work. Full restoration expected within 24–48 hours, depending on complexity.
Updates are being shared via Scottish Water’s X (Twitter) account.
Is the Water Safe? What to Do If It’s Discoloured
After water supply is restored, follow these guidelines from Scottish Water:
If You See Brown/Discoloured Water:
- Run your cold-water kitchen tap at a reduced flow until the water runs clear.
- Do not use other taps or appliances (e.g., washing machine, dishwasher) during this process.
- Repeat for other taps once the kitchen tap is clear.
If You See White/Milky Water:
- This is caused by air trapped in the pipes and is harmless.
- It should clear within 24 to 48 hours as air dissipates.
No boil water notice has been issued. However, if you have concerns, contact Scottish Water directly.
Official Statements from Scottish Water & Council
Scottish Water Spokesperson:
“Our teams are now on-site to assess the required repair and carry out works to isolate the burst as quickly as possible to minimise the impact of flooding in the area. We are investigating options for valve operations to restore and maintain supplies for as many affected customers as possible. Traffic management is being arranged to ensure public and worker safety.”
They also confirmed via Twitter:
“We are on-site responding to a burst water main on Shettleston Road, which is causing the loss of water supply in #Glasgow #G32. We apologise to all affected customers for any inconvenience or disruption caused.” – @scottish_water
Glasgow City Council Spokesperson:
“The junction of Shettleston Road at Hart Street is currently closed due to flooding caused by a burst water main. Scottish Water is in attendance. Road users are advised to avoid the area and consider alternative routes.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What caused the Glasgow water main break on Shettleston Road?
The exact cause is under investigation, but burst mains are often due to ageing pipes, pressure changes, or ground movement. This pipe was likely installed decades ago.
When will water be restored?
Scottish Water expects full restoration within 24–48 hours of the burst. Monitor their website and social media for real-time updates.
Which roads are closed?
Shettleston Road is closed between Old Shettleston Road and Fernan Street, and westbound between Westmuir Street and Hart Street. The Hart Street junction is also shut.
Can I drink the water after it comes back?
Yes, but flush your cold kitchen tap first until clear. Avoid using appliances until water quality is restored.
Is there compensation for affected customers?
Scottish Water may offer compensation for prolonged outages. Contact customer service for details.
Conclusion: Staying Informed After the Glasgow Water Main Break
The Glasgow water main break on Shettleston Road has caused significant disruption, but emergency teams are working diligently to restore services. By understanding the impact, following safety advice, and staying updated through official channels, residents and businesses can manage this incident effectively.
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