Alert archive United Kingdom
18 published alerts, 0 currently active.
Residents told to boil tap water due to bacteria
Dozens of residents in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, have been told to boil tap water before consuming it following the discovery of possible bacterial contamination. Portsmouth Water issued a Boil Water Notice on Sunday for about 70 properties in Martin Close, Bullfinch Court, Magpie Way and Chaffinch Way after routine quality tests found a "possible presence of bacteria". The company is delivering bottled water and awaiting further test results, advising residents to continue boiling water.
Cryptosporidium-Parasiten im Trinkwasser in Devon festgestellt
Tausende Einwohner in Devon, im Südwesten Großbritanniens, wurden aufgefordert, kein Wasser aus der Leitung zu trinken, nachdem dieses positiv auf den Parasiten Cryptosporidium getestet wurde. Der Vorfall, der etwa eine Woche vor dem 21. Mai 2024 begann, ist auf ein defektes Ventil im Netz des Unternehmens Southwest Water zurückzuführen. Cryptosporidium kann Durchfall und Darmentzündungen hervorrufen.
Experts renew calls for urgent PFAS action as UK says evidence of health risks lacking
Residents of Thornton-Cleveleys near Blackpool, UK, were found with elevated levels of PFOA in their blood, likely stemming from a local PFAS-producing plant. Experts are calling for urgent action to address this environmental contamination, with local guidance advising residents to peel garden fruit and avoid eating eggs from local birds. The Drinking Water Inspectorate for England and Wales monitors PFAS levels.
Essex village residents spent weeks without safe water
Residents in Terling, Essex, experienced more than three weeks of unsafe drinking water that was "visibly brown, sludgy" due to a mystery contamination. The prolonged incident forced villagers to rely on bottled water for essential daily activities like brushing teeth and to travel elsewhere for showering.
Boil water notice issued for part of Eastern Quarry, Ebbsfleet Garden City, for third day
Independent Water Networks (IWN) issued a precautionary boil water notice on September 28 for parts of the Eastern Quarry area in Ebbsfleet Garden City, including specific streets like Watt Close and Longhoughton Avenue. Residents are advised to boil water before consumption, food preparation, or teeth brushing due to ongoing investigations into water quality. The notice remains active while extensive water quality sampling is carried out, with bottled water being distributed to affected households.
‘Are these chemicals in my blood?’ How one community learned the truth about Pfas pollution
Residents living near a chemicals plant in Blackpool, UK, underwent testing for 'forever chemicals' (PFAS). Last week, the community received alarming results, confirming significant PFAS pollution in their area. This has raised concerns about chemical contamination and potential health impacts.
Burst water main causes 'major' pollution incident in Lyndhurst
A burst water main on the A35 Southampton Road in Lyndhurst caused a major pollution incident, leading chlorinated water to flow into the Beaulieu River headwaters. New Forest Water Watch (NFWW) found extremely high nitrate levels, elevated chlorine, and E. coli (1,200 CFU/100 mL) in the stream. NFWW is conducting ongoing monitoring of the situation due to potential impacts on aquatic life.
No bathing warning at beach linked to blue brook
Officials have issued a warning advising people not to swim at Exmouth beach and nearby swimming spots until further notice. This follows a pollution incident in Littleham Brook in Exmouth, which has caused the water to turn bright blue. The Environment Agency is continuing its investigation. Update (eastdevonnews.co.uk, 28.09.2026, 09:35): Public health officials are investigating lab results, with the Environment Agency sharing findings with the UK Health Security Agency to assess public health risk. The advisory has expanded to include pets and recommends avoiding all contact with the water.
Villagers told to boil tap water as it 'may not be' up to standard
Anglian Water has advised residents in parts of Lincolnshire to boil their tap water as a precautionary measure. This decision was made due to concerns that the water may not meet usual standards, posing potential health risks.
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. All-clear (BBC News, 28.09.2026, 09:40): A main pipe burst in Modbury, south Devon, causing water supply cut-offs and discoloured water for hundreds of households including a primary and pre-school. South West Water restored supplies and advised customers with discoloured water to run their taps for up to an hour, as natural sediments are not harmful.
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.