🇬🇧Drinking water alerts in United Kingdom

Live alerts, maps and reports on drinking water quality in United Kingdom. Aggregated regularly from official sources.

ACTIVE ALERTS

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This page collects publicly reported boil water notices and drinking water alerts for the United Kingdom. Binding information comes from your water company and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. No entry here does not prove that water is safe.

Official starting points

Verified information links, last checked on 2026-09-15. They are reading entry points, not the automatically monitored sources, and they do not replace information from your water utility.

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Boil water advisory· Microbiological· Limit exceeded

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.

Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, United Kingdom

20/05/2024, 02:00

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Lifted· Boil water advisory· Microbiological

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.

Devon, Südwesten, United Kingdom

21/05/2024, 02:00

Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Thornton-Cleveleys, Blackpool, United Kingdom

05/10/2026, 02:00

Microbiological· Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Terling, Essex, United Kingdom

18/06/2024, 02:00

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Lifted· Boil water advisory· Microbiological

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.

Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent, United Kingdom

30/09/2024, 02:00

Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

‘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.

Blackpool, United Kingdom

28/09/2026, 02:00

Microbiological· Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Lyndhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom

20/09/2026, 23:55

Chemical contamination

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.

Exmouth, Devon, United Kingdom

2 sources19/09/2026, 14:00

Lifted· Boil water advisory· Microbiological

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.

Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

15/07/2023, 02:00

Lifted· Microbiological· Limit exceeded

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.

Wargrave, Berkshire, United Kingdom

01/06/2026, 02:00

Microbiological· Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Kingston upon Thames, London, United Kingdom

01/08/2026, 02:00

Lifted· Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Anglian Water Services Limited, United Kingdom

01/09/2025, 02:00

Microbiological· Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Botley, Wheatley, Burford, Milton-under-Wychwood, Kingham, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

08/09/2026, 21:35

Boil water advisory· Microbiological

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.

Buckden, Upper Wharfedale, United Kingdom

01/08/2026, 02:00

Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

‘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.

London, South-west London, United Kingdom

3 sources30/08/2026, 17:20

Microbiological· Chemical contamination

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.

Southeast and Central England, United Kingdom

28/08/2026, 21:35

Boil water advisory· Microbiological

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.

Chagford, Devon, United Kingdom

5 sources01/08/2026, 02:00

Chemical contamination· Limit exceeded

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.

Jersey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom

20/07/2026, 23:21