Recovering from the floods
Updated on 26 July 2007
The city of Gloucester, and other local areas, have been without water for four days.
It looks like it will be at least another week before they get full service again.
So while the nation's spotlight will recede along with the flood water, the difficulties experienced by the poeple will continue and could get worse.
Those living in houseboats in the centre of Gloucester say they have hardly noticed any problems caused by the floods.
So has the media been giving a false impression?
At the local radio sation, they're running a helpline and have been inundated.
One resident complained local shops are overcharging for water. She claimed it would cost £16 for four litres, but it did not cost anything like that in the places we tried.
In fact, most sites distributing free bottled mineral water are relatively clam.
But the empty bowsers, plastic commual water tanks every few streets, are a real probelm as they are the only option for the elderly and the car-less.
Some water has been reconnected to some homes but the water company is at pains to point out that it is not suitable for drinking.
