Increased lead levels in Bourton-on-the-Water
These frequently asked questions (FAQ) have been put together to give you advice on lead pipes. This is following the discovery of lead in the water supply in the Bourton-on-Water area.
This is an evolving FAQ and we'll continue to update this as we have answers to more questions for you. Our FAQ topics include:
Lead pipework
Where does the lead come from?
The drinking water that leaves our treatment works contains no lead. Our water mains are not made from lead.
Properties built before 1970 may have lead supply pipes and internal plumbing. The service pipe owned by us may also be made from lead. This is the pipe that connects the customer's supply pipe to the water main.
Water in contact with lead pipework acts like a solvent. The lead can dissolve into the water, the longer the water stagnates in contact with the pipe.
How are you minimising lead?
Water in our region is mainly hard and forms a natural protective layer on the pipe. This reduces the chance of lead dissolving into the water before it reaches taps.
Under regulation in England and Wales, we add a small amount of phosphate to aid this process. The levels added are much less to that found in soft drinks and dairy products. Phosphate limits the release of lead from pipework corrosion. It adds to the protective layer, reducing lead concentrations in drinking water.
We're increasing the amount of phosphates we're adding to the local water supply in this area. This is perfectly safe. The amount of phosphate we add is only a small fraction of what would be found in the natural environment.
How can I tell if I have lead pipes?
You can check if you have lead pipes by:
- Finding your internal stop tap. This may be in or behind the cupboards in your kitchen or a downstairs toilet
- Checking the colour. Unpainted lead pipes are a dull grey colour
- Looking at the joints. Lead joints are rounded and swollen where two pipes meet
- Scratching the pipe gently. Scratches on lead pipes will reveal a shiny metal that's silver in colour. Always wash your hands thoroughly after doing this
- Tapping the pipe with a metal object. Lead makes a dull thud. Copper or iron pipes make a clear ringing noise
Homes built after 1970 are unlikely to have lead pipes. Other pipe materials in common use are:
- Copper – bright, hard and dull brown
- Iron – dark, very hard and may be rusty
- Plastic – typically blue but if older it may be grey or black
Lead pipe
Sampling
When did you first find lead in the water in the local area?
We first identified raised levels of lead from routine water quality sampling. A sample collected at an individual property in November 2023 returned a raised lead result. An investigation at the property was undertaken and this was dealt with as an isolated incident. A further set of routine samples were taken in August 2024 in the estate. We replaced the sections of lead pipes that we own at both these properties.
Wider sampling was then carried out during September 2024. This detected more lead pipework at properties in Melville, Springvale and Station Road.
Do you test new builds as part of your lead sampling even though they won’t have lead pipes. If so, why are these tested?
The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations and implementation guidance require us to collect random samples from customers taps. These are analysed for many different water quality parameters, which include lead. Water companies are expected to maintain a sampling programme that selects sample points at random from a comprehensive list of all its consumers.
In addition to our regulatory sample program, we have a targeted lead operational programme which supplements further sample collection across the region.
How will we know the issues are resolved after pipe replacement work? Will you sample again?
We intend to conduct further sampling following the completion of both ours and the private pipe work replacement.
How many properties have you sampled in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Between 2014 and 2024, we've collected 180 random samples in the GL54 postcode area. In September and October 2024, we carried out an estimated additional 400 samples.
How can I reduce the risk from lead in my water supply?
If you’ve been provided with flushing advice, run the tap for a few minutes. This removes any standing water from the supply pipe. Do this before:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Giving water to pets
You may need to run your tap for more time if the supply pipe is longer. You can check to feel the change of temperature as fresh water is pulled into the tap.
The most effective way to reduce the risk from lead pipes is to replace them.
Health
Is the amount of lead in the water dangerous?
Exposure to lead in drinking water for a short period is unlikely to cause any health impact. However, lead can be of concern if it builds up in the body. So, it's recommended that exposure should be minimised as far as possible.
The current regulatory standard for lead is 10µg/l (which is the same as parts per million).
If you have any health concerns about exposure to lead, please seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Who is most at risk from lead in the water supply?
Those at most risk are infants (including unborn babies) and children. This is because lead can have an adverse impact on mental development. In adults, it may impair kidney, heart and circulatory health.
Is lead harmful to pets?
Just like people, pets' exposure to lead should be minimised as much as possible. If you have any concerns, please seek guidance from your vet.
I have an existing health condition or illness. Could it have been caused by the lead in the water?
It is rare for people to experience symptoms after being exposed to lead in drinking water. However, if you have been drinking water containing lead for a long time, you are more likely than others to experience symptoms including kidney disease and high blood pressure. Children might show changes in behaviour, or you may notice delays in your child’s development.
However, there are many different causes for these symptoms. Even if you are experiencing these symptoms, it doesn’t mean the symptoms are because of the lead in your drinking water. If you or your child have been experiencing any of these health effects, please contact your GP.
Will boiling the water or using a water filter/softener remove the lead?
If you have received a Do not drink notice you should not drink the water. Boiling water will not remove lead. Tap water should therefore not be used for hot drinks or cooking.
We do not recommend using a water softener or water filter to remove lead, as we cannot guarantee that this will effectively remove the lead in your drinking water.
If you have been given flushing advice it is safe to drink with or without boiling, using a water softener or filtering, after running your tap for two minutes after a period of low use.
I’m on a do not drink notice can I use the water to cook or prepare vegetables?
No. If you have been issued with a Do not drink notice, you must not cook with tap water from your property.
Does adding phosphate to the water cause skin irritation?
We add a small amount of phosphate to most of the water, which acts like limescale. This reduces lead levels even further. Phosphate at such levels is not harmful and is about 500 times lower than the phosphate levels in milk.
Housing association
Why was the internal pipework not changed when they swapped the kitchens over?
Bromford have not identified lead pipework inside Bromford owned homes. What has been identified is the external supply pipework that joins the internal stop tap is lead. This would not be identified as part of a kitchen replacement.
Why was this not flagged when I purchased the house off the council?
Surely, the house would have been surveyed.
It is the buyer's responsibility to arrange any necessary surveys and inspections for the property when undertaking a purchase. The buyer should follow up on any queries or concerns through their appointed legal solicitor to ensure all aspects of the purchase are addressed before completion.
If you're replacing a share supply pipe and some of the houses are privately owned, would you consider replacing all the internal pipework at the same time?
Bromford will only be replacing the pipework which runs to their homes. Homeowners are responsible for the pipes on their properties, including internal pipes and the underground supply pipe which connects their home to Thames Water’s communication pipe.
Pipe replacement work
Whose responsibility is it to replace the lead pipework?
The water company is responsible for the service pipe. This links the water main in the street to the stop valve outside the customer's property.
The property owner is responsible for all pipework on their land and in their home. This may be the homeowner, landlord or housing association.
To remove long-term risk, both sections of pipework should be lead free.
Find out more about pipe responsibility.
Will you communicate your pipe replacement plans and working hours?
A letter has been delivered to residents of Melville and Springville on 18 November letting residents know we are beginning our repairs in these roads, and this work will commence on 20 November. We will send another letter out to residents of Station Road once we are ready to proceed into this road to continue our work.
If I pay for new pipes at my house and create a new supply pipe, will you charge me to connect to your communication pipe?
If you are requesting a completely new water supply connection, then this is normally a payable service. However, we will review this on a case-by-case basis to see if this can be incorporated into our ongoing works.
Where can I find a plumber to carry out the work?
You can find an approved plumber in your area with our helpful guide.
Can you recommend a contractor to provide quotes for all the privately owned supplies?
We are unable to recommend an individual contractor, but you can visit our website here where you will be able to find an approved plumber in your area.
When you replace pipes does it decrease lead in the water system? What can be done?
Removing and replacing the lead pipe in its entirety will remove the risk from lead at your property. During partial removal, the disturbance can influence the lead, and so continuing to flush your tap ahead of use as per the advice given remains the best method.
If you have been given restrictive advice, please continue to observe this, until we confirm in writing otherwise.
If I am privately owned and am on a shared supply with Bromford, would Thames consider allowing a new single water connection free of charge if I got my own supply laid on its own?
As above, if you are requesting a completely new water supply connection, then this is normally a payable service. However, we will review this on a case-by-case basis to see if this can be incorporated into our ongoing works.
Compensation
Am I entitled to any compensation?
Under the terms of our Customer Guarantee Scheme (CGS) our customers who have been placed on a “restriction of use” will be compensated with a £30 payment. If you’d like to see more information about our CGS please visit here.
We will continue to update this page as we have answers to more questions for you.
I'm on a water meter and have been placed on flushing advice and I'm worried about my water bill. Can Thames Water help?
We can certainly look into your bill and put some adjustments in place for you. You can call us on 0800 980 8800. Our phone lines are open between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please be assured this is an evolving FAQ. We'll continue to update this as we have answers to more questions for you.