Lead Contamination Prompts Water Pipe Replacements in Cotswold Village

Water pipe replacements have commenced in a Cotswold village where residents were previously advised against consuming tap water. Thames Water issued this warning earlier this month to 34 properties in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, necessitating over 70 households to run their taps for a minimum of two minutes before use. The utility company initiated the pipe changes following the discovery of elevated lead levels. Thames Water described the incident as a “very rare occurrence” and stated it takes water quality “extremely seriously.” The company has been supplying bottled water to some residents while awaiting the repairs, which began on Wednesday. Testing conducted by Thames Water confirmed the presence of lead pipework at properties located on Melville Estate, Spring Vale, and Station Road within the village. In a letter sent to residents, Thames Water indicated that tests revealed lead levels ranging from 14.5 to 18.6 micrograms per litre, surpassing the maximum permissible level of 10 micrograms per litre. Residents conveyed their health concerns to the BBC regarding the water quality, even after running their taps. A Thames Water spokesperson confirmed that 34 properties remain under a “restriction of water use” notice, with bottled water being provided to them. The spokesperson added, “There are 80 properties who have been advised to run their taps for two minutes before use.” They further stated, “We would like to reassure the wider community that we take the quality of our water extremely seriously.” The spokesperson concluded by saying, “It is among the highest-quality drinking water in the world – and that this is a very rare occurrence.”