Cotswold Village Residents Advised Against Tap Water Due to Elevated Lead Levels

In a Cotswold village, residents have received instructions to refrain from consuming tap water following the detection of elevated lead concentrations attributed to lead piping. Thames Water communicated this advisory to 34 households situated in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. One resident, Anthony Anders, expressed apprehension regarding his health. Thames Water stated its collaboration with local organisations to “help resolve the issue” and committed to providing updates to those impacted. The company affirmed, “Our operational teams will be working to replace any Thames Water-owned pipework that is made of lead.” It further added, “We will also be enhancing the water treatment process in this area to help mitigate the levels of lead inside the pipes.” Mr Anders recounted observing “lots of Thames Water vans” in proximity to his residence last week, prior to receiving a cautionary letter advising against tap water consumption. Subsequently, Thames Water supplied bottled water to him and his neighbours. Investigations conducted recently by Thames Water confirmed the existence of lead pipework at residences located on Melville Estate, Spring Vale, and Station Road within the village. According to the letter, recent analyses indicated lead concentrations ranging from 14.5 and 18.6 micrograms per litre, exceeding the permissible maximum of 10. Furthermore, the letter cautioned residents against using the tap water even post-boiling, and advised against providing it to pets or utilizing it for dental hygiene. Mr Anders expressed concern, noting that the letter omitted information regarding the duration of the elevated lead levels, particularly given his 24-year residency in the area. He stated, “I’m thinking of getting a blood test.” He added, “There’s days when you don’t feel right but that’s the last thing you’d think of putting it down to.” Dave Minchin, a resident of the village for two decades, conveyed that he was “pretty worried” because his eight-year-old grandson resides in his home. He remarked, “We don’t know the long-term effects.” He continued, “We don’t want them drinking if it’s contaminated with lead.” Patricia Foulds, an 18-year resident of the area, commented: “Since we’ve been drinking the water we’ve been feeling sick – running to the bathroom every five minutes.” She indicated that Thames Water had informed her that she could persist in consuming tap water because the water within her pipes contained a lower lead concentration. She further stated, “They said just run the water for two to three minutes.” She mentioned that she had not received bottled water. Prof Chad Staddon, a specialist in water resources, commented: “Because long-term exposure to lead is a well-known human health hazard, water companies are legally required to continually monitor lead levels and will take water out of supply if levels exceed the regulatory standard until the root cause can be identified and corrected. “The fact that this happens a few times per year around the country is evidence that the system works and is keeping consumers safe from lead risk.” A spokesperson for Thames Water stated: “Customer representatives and water technicians have been in the area over the last few weeks and returned again this week to explain this to those impacted. “We would like to reassure all our customers the impact is in this specific area only and those affected have been made aware.” For further updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.