Alert archive United Kingdom
9 published alerts, 3 currently active.
DWI Notice to Thames Water: Risk of unwholesome water at Sheeplands 1 Bowsey
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has issued a regulation 28(4) notice to Thames Water Utilities Limited concerning a significant risk of supplying unwholesome water from Sheeplands 1 Bowsey treatment works. The risk is associated with confirmed Total coliforms due to backflow from the distribution network and ingress into treated water mains. Thames Water is required to implement various measures, including valve replacements and enhanced monitoring, by dates ranging up to May 2030 to mitigate these risks.
Toxic algae found in newly designated bathing spot
The Environment Agency has found a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae in the Ham and Kingston bathing area of the River Thames in west London, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and wildlife. Richmond Council advises visitors not to swim in or around the spot and to keep pets out of the water until further notice. The EA is taking water samples to confirm the extent and has activated an advice against bathing notice for the area.
Notice under regulation 28(4) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended)
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has issued a notice to Anglian Water Services Limited regarding a significant risk of supplying unwholesome water or water that could be a potential danger to human health from multiple sites. Risks are associated with consumer acceptability due to parameters like iron, turbidity, manganese, aluminium, and general discolouration. Anglian Water is required to implement various measures, including enhanced monitoring and treatment optimisation, to address these issues by specified dates.
Sewage discharges cause 'toxic cocktail' in rivers
Sewage dumping by Thames Water over the recent bank holiday weekend has led to a "toxic and dangerous" bacterial "cocktail" in Oxfordshire's waterways. Campaigners warn that low river levels, exacerbated by dry weather, mean the untreated sewage poses a serious risk to wildlife and humans, with high bacteria levels. Specific locations affected include Botley, Wheatley, Burford, Milton-under-Wychwood, Kingham, and Faringdon.
Yorkshire Water puts Dales villages on ‘boil notice’ after bacteria issue at reservoir
Yorkshire Water hat eine Abkochverfügung für 133 Haushalte in den Postleitzahlbereichen BD23 5JR, BD23 5JE, BD23 5JA, BD23 5JU, BD23 5JX, BD23 5JS, BD23 5HY und BD23 5HZ, darunter Buckden, Oughtershaw und Hubberholme, erlassen. Dies geschieht vorsorglich, nachdem routinemäßige Proben am Starbotton-Stausee in Upper Wharfedale eine bakterielle Verunreinigung zeigten, die die üblichen Standards nicht erfüllte. Die Bewohner müssen Trinkwasser abkochen; für Kunden im Priority Services Register wurde Flaschenwasser geliefert.
‘Forever chemicals’ surge during pilot of Thames Water plan to combat drought
During pilot tests for a water recycling scheme in Teddington, South-west London, levels of the toxic 'forever chemical' Pfos in treated sewage proposed for the River Thames rose to 13 times the legal limit. This Thames Water project aims to supplement drinking water sources by pumping treated effluent into the river, but also showed very high levels of iron, making it challenging to meet future water standards.
Şebeke sularında tat ve koku değişimi: Uzmanlar nedenini açıkladı
İngiltere genelinde, özellikle Güneydoğu ve Orta İngiltere'de, uzun süreli kuraklığın ardından gelen şiddetli yağışlar şebeke suyunda belirgin bir topraksı ve rutubetli tat ve koku değişimine yol açtı. Uzmanlar, artan alg ve bakteri, organik bileşikler ve yükseltilmiş klor dozajını neden olarak gösterse de, suyun tüketim için tamamen güvenli olduğunu vurguluyor.
Burst water main sparks boil water notice
South West Water issued a precautionary boil water notice for approximately 900 properties in the Chagford area, Devon, after a burst water main. Although the leak has been repaired, customers must continue to boil tap water for consumption while water quality checks are performed. Bottled water is being provided. Update (itv.com, 26.08.2026, 11:35): The boil water notice will remain in place until two days of clear water quality results are collected. Update (Rayo Hits Radio Devon, 26.08.2026, 13:00): The boil water notice also applies to food preparation, and a bottled water station has been established at Chagford Primary School. Update (BBC News, 09.09.2026, 19:25): The burst water main was repaired on Monday.
Scientists urge tougher PFAS limits as current levels commonly exceed 10 ng/L in Jersey drinking water
The PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel for Jersey has published a report recommending a new enforceable drinking water limit of 4 ng/L for PFAS. The report states that exceedances above the current UK aspirational reference level of 10 ng/L for PFAS are common in Jersey's drinking water. Jersey Water maintains current water quality is safe but is undertaking pilot trials for treatment technologies.