Alerts September 2026 (United Kingdom)
9 published alerts, 0 currently active.
‘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.