Bramley water quality FAQs

Bramley water quality update

 

• Thames Water introduced a precautionary ‘do not drink’ notice to 621 Bramley properties as water quality results indicating elevated levels of hydrocarbons following a historic fuel leak at the village petrol station.
• Since then, we have been working to replace a section of pipework close to the petrol station. This part of the work is now complete. 
• We will now start an extensive series of sampling to make sure there are no longer any unsafe levels of hydrocarbons present in the water supply.

• We have agreed to an accelerated programme of sampling with the UK Health Security Agency and hope to be able to lift the 'do not drink' advice in early July. This is providing the results meet their required standards

• Bottled water will continue to be hand delivered to those affected properties every day unless it is not wanted – you can let us know by leaving a note on your door.

• The replacement of the section of pipe near the garage on Station Road where the fuel leak originated is now completed. We expect to finish our reinstatement work and have the traffic management removed by the end of the week. 

Thames Water would like to reassure its customers that the village water supply has been safe to drink up to this point, as confirmed through its rigorous water testing, which has also been subject to regular review working alongside UKHSA throughout this period.

The ‘do not drink’ advice will remain in place while further investigations are carried out. During this time the affected customers are advised:

• Don’t drink the tap water or give to pets.
• Don’t prepare or cook food using tap water.
• Don’t use tap water to brush your teeth.
• Don’t use tap water even after boiling.
• Can use tap water to wash.
• Can use tap water to flush the loo.

Frequently asked questions

1. What’s happened?

This follows a historical fuel leak from the village petrol station. The petrol has infiltrated the ground and entered some of our pipes. Prior to us issuing our advice, we had already replaced two water pipes in the village.

Test results received on Thursday 30 May 2024 indicated a possible deterioration in water quality, so it's right that we take this measure while we investigate further. It’s important to note that we have been regularly testing in the area for a long time, and the water was safe to drink up until 30 May's test results. The results of all our testing can be found on our sample results page.

2. What needs to happen for the water restriction order to be lifted? What are you doing to expedite this? 

We have now replaced a section of pipe next to the petrol station. We carried this out as a priority so we can lift this advice as soon as possible.

Throughout this process, your health and safety has been our top priority so before we can change our advice, we need to be absolutely confident there is no risk to the water we supply.

We therefore need to carry out extensive sampling across the impacted area so we are confident the hydrocarbons from the fuel are no longer at a level which is a risk to health.

We've agreed to an accelerated programme of sampling with the UK Health Security Agency. We hope to be able to lift the 'do not drink' advice in early July, providing the results meet their required standards. We understand this timeframe will be frustrating but it's essential that we follow the guidance.

3. How long will the notice last for?

We've replaced the section of pipework that was affected by the petrol leak. We've agreed to an accelerated programme of sampling with the UK Health Security Agency to show the drinking water is compliant with their guidance. With this in mind, we hope to be able to lift the 'do not drink' advice in early July. The health and wellbeing of residents is our number one priority. We won’t remove the 'do not drink' notice until we are sure it’s safe to do so. 

We understand the urgency of the situation but cannot be more definitive at this stage. As the petrol moves through the ground it is possible that the areas of problem will move, and further works may be needed. This is why we will continue to test, monitoring the situation, whilst at the same time Asda’s the wider works continue to clean up the ground contamination. 

4. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?

You can assist us by running your kitchen tap for between five and ten minutes every day. While this is not essential, it will help to move the water around your property’s internal plumbing. As we have installed a new pipe, your water may briefly appear brown when you first run it. This is perfectly normal and if you run the pipe for a few minutes, it will disappear.

5. Can you reassure other residents living outside the impacted area in the village their water is safe to drink?

Yes, we can – we have isolated the affected pipes so other residents don’t need to be concerned and they can continue to use their water as normal.

6. If residents experience sickness or stomach pain, what should they do?

We can’t give out health advice, but the advice we’ve received from the UKHSA is that if residents have any health concerns, then they should contact NHS 111 for advice. To reiterate, this is a precautionary measure that we’ve taken.

7. You gave St Catherine’s school a ‘do not drink’ notice a month ago, was that the point residents water became unsafe?

No, we have been carrying out regular testing since last autumn, and residents’ water was safe to drink up until the test result on 30 May. Different pipes serve different parts of the village so any impact is not universal.

8. Will you be compensating customers?

We understand customers concerns and frustration. Regarding compensation, as we have stated this situation involves multiple parties and therefore compensation will need to be discussed among relevant parties.

9. I was drinking the water before you issued the advice and now I’ve been told not to – what is the risk to me?

Those in the affected area who have drunk water from the tap are likely to have only been exposed to hydrocarbons at low levels which is unlikely to cause any long-term ill effects.

The public health risk assessment is that the detectable level of petroleum products in the water is very low.

If anyone does have any symptoms or health concerns which include irritation to the eyes nose and throat, cough, a hoarse voice and breathing difficulties, they should speak to their GP or call NHS 111.

10. I have been drinking tap water all through my pregnancy. How will this affect me and my baby?

Advice from the UKHSA is that exposure to amounts of petrol that do not harm the mother, are not likely to harm the unborn child. But if anyone is concerned, they should speak to NHS 111.

11. How might petrol affect children?

Advice from the UKHSA is that children exposed to petrol would be expected to display similar effects to those seen in exposed adults.

12. What are the health risks to people in the area?

Those in the affected area who have drunk water from the tap are likely to have only been exposed to hydrocarbons at low levels which is unlikely to cause any long-term ill effects.

The public health risk assessment is that the detectable level of petroleum products in the water is very low.

If anyone does have any symptoms or health concerns which include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, cough, a hoarse voice and breathing difficulties, they should speak to their GP or call NHS 111.

13. Does exposure to hydrocarbons cause cancer?

The levels of hydrocarbons are below WHO drinking water guidelines and therefore it is unlikely to present a risk to health.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that there was some evidence that petrol could cause cancer in experimental animals, but the evidence in humans was inadequate. If any, the risk of cancer from short term exposure to petrol is likely to be low.

14. Are swimming pools safe to use?

UKHSA strongly recommends children and infants do not use swimming pools in the affected area as it is difficult to avoid children and babies consuming the pool water.

UKHSA also recommends adults do not use their swimming pools in the affected area, however if they choose to do so they should minimise the amount of water they drink while in the pool.

15. Why has it taken so long to uncover the leak?

Asda acquired the site from the Co-Op in October 2022. However, due to the requirements of the Competition and Markets Authority, the acquired sites were under a ‘hold separate’ period until the site was finally released to be controlled and operated by Asda in October 2023.

During the period of transition over to Asda’s ownership pressure tests on the pipelines did not highlight any issues. During the remediation works at the site in February 2024 Asda uncovered the damaged fuel line.

16. What caused the damage to the fuel line?

The fuel line appears to have been damaged by large equipment (potentially a digger bucket or drill /saw) which we understand happened in 2016 when some works were carried out at the site. Whoever caused the damage tried to repair it at the time. The repair failed at some point and leaks have occurred since.

17. How much fuel do you think has been lost in total?

Although we can’t provide a clear picture on the total amount of fuel lost, so far over 100 litres of neat petrol have been recovered via the pump and treat system.

18. When will the issues be resolved?

The initial schedule for the remediation works at the petrol station was for it to be completed in a 12 week timeframe.

The Asda Express store was due to open on Monday 3 June 2024. Due to the works that are now being carried out by Thames Water, the store will remain closed for the time being. Asda do not yet have a firm date for when the store will open. The remediation system will continue to pump for a 12 month period, with ongoing monitoring to assess the success of recovery.

19. How are Asda cleaning up the existing damage?

The pump and treat system which has been installed by Asda’s environmental consultants (EPS) has been operational since April 2024 removing and cleaning contaminated water to Thames Water standards. Over 100 litres of neat petrol has been recovered. Groundwater levels remain extremely high from the very wet winter, despite the pumping. The treatment system will continue to pump and treat groundwater to recover fuel. EPS has also installed booms in the local watercourse and continue to observe conditions. EPS and Asda will continue to work with other utility companies and affected parties.

20. What works have been undertaken at the petrol station site?

The works include:

• Uplifting all fuel from the site.
• Replacement of all fuel lines (both delivery and dispensing).
• Precautionary relining of tanks 1 and 2.
• New chambers, lids and gauges on all tanks.
• Upgrades to drainage and interceptor.

21. How will the roadworks where you are working affect me? 

As the first part of our remedial works, we have replaced a section of pipe which has been impacted by the fuel leak. We have now e taken the decision to replace some more of the pipes in the area to reduce the likelihood of further contamination from the fuel.

To allow us to complete these works, a section of Station Road is closed at the junction with Horsham Road, so access to St Catherine’s School from Station Road will remain. There is also a lane closure on Horsham Road at this junction so temporary traffic lights have been installed.

Please be aware, that while these works are essential for bringing back high-quality drinking water, the widespread nature of fuel leak means it may not solve all the problems. We will always be guided by the results of our water quality testing and only remove the advice once these are showing consistently clear results.

22. Why are 622 properties in Bramley now being told that the tap water is not safe to drink etc when it is apparently odourless?

Only trace amounts of the hydrocarbon compounds have been picked up through the sampling but the regulatory limit for detecting them is very low. As such, the levels are well below concentrations that may present an odour to the drinking water.

23. How are properties to sample selected?

The sampling plan aims to ensure that the quality of water is excellent for all of our customers. We are taking samples across the affected area but also on the boundaries and outside of the affected area and at customers’ properties to monitor the water closely and regularly. The section of properties within the target area is essentially random. 

24. How has Thames Water decided which homes in the area should be served with a “Do not Drink” notice?

We looked at the locations where the failed samples were taken and the hydraulics of our water supply and the direction the water travels from and to in our water pipes.

25. Why is central Bramley where the petrol is running down under the street not included? Can you guarantee the water in those properties is completely safe to drink?

Our assessment of the ‘affected area’ has been based upon our current understanding of several factors including:

• The direction of water flow through the system relative to the petrol filling station
• The area of water pipework at which contamination is most likely to be occurring 
• The location of sample results showing levels of hydrocarbons above the regulatory limit.

We are continuing to monitor more widely on a daily basis to ensure any changes to this will be quickly identified and responded to if required.

26. Is it safe to use mains water contaminated with petrol for the following:

• For washing dishes in the sink or dishwasher?
• Do not use tap water for dishwashing. 
• To do laundry in a washing machine?
• Washing clothes with the water is ok due to no risk of ingestion.
• Washing bathing and showering people?
• It is safe to use the water for bathing and showering 

27. For watering fruit and vegetables, we are growing our gardens, eg lettuce?

Whilst the associated health risk is considered to be low, as our restriction of use advice is based on non-consumption of the drinking water, we would recommend that an alternative source of water be used for watering of fruit and vegetables intended for consumption.

28. Can apparently odourless water contain unsafe levels of hydrocarbons? 

For some hydrocarbon compounds the levels that are considered a cause for concern with respect to public health may be well below concentrations that may present an odour to the drinking water. 

29. Have all the affected households now been told that their water was contaminated with hydrocarbons? 

Based on recent assessment all households considered to be affected by unacceptable levels of hydrocarbons have been issued with an advisory Do Not Drink notice.

30. Can a dedicated helpline or number be provided so residents don’t have to go through the general Thames Water customer service number?

We will be providing regular written updates for the residents of Bramley to keep you informed of our work. We are also updating our website with the latest information and will be posting on social media to keep the community in the picture with what we’re doing. 

This information is reviewed to make sure that we are being transparent, open and using accessible wording. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates. 

When ringing into our contact centres once a postcode is given, there is a recorded message providing the most up to date information.

31. Will you carry out water sampling and testing if a resident requests it. For example, for those close to the border of, but not in, the affected area zone?

We anticipate receiving a significant number of requests for water testing. Whilst we will endeavour to accommodate these where possible, it may not be possible to do so for all requests. 

Our approach is to deploy our sampling and analytical resources in a strategic manner that prioritises sampling locations that are of greatest benefit to the ongoing investigation to ensure all areas within and beyond the area under restriction of use are suitably monitored. If we prioritise customer requests over this, it is likely to render our sampling strategy being less effective.

We would like to reassure residents living nearby but outside of where the “Do not Drink” notice has been served that we are continuing to monitor across the wider area so that any potential deterioration in quality in these locations can be identified and responded to quickly.

32. Please confirm that the costs of these current works will not be added to customers’ bills and that you will seek to obtain reimbursement from those companies that have caused or contributed to the off-site petrol contamination.

The costs of the current works will not be added to customers’ bills.  We are working with all parties in order to establish liability.