Thames Water issues do not drink tap water notice to over 600 Bramley properties (GU5, Surrey)

• Thames Water is today (Thursday 30 May 2024) introducing a precautionary ‘do not drink’ notice to over 600 Bramley households.
• The company has been carrying out additional water sampling in Bramley since October 2023, following a historical fuel leak from the village petrol station.
• The do not drink tap water advice follows results received today indicating elevated levels of hydrocarbons.  
• The notice means over 600 properties are asked not to use their water supply for drinking, cooking or brushing their teeth - customers can continue to use the water to shower and wash hands.  
• Letters and bottled water will be hand delivered to those affected properties over this evening. 

We have set-up two bottled water stations at the following locations:

• Bramley Community Library, High St, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0HG (this location is a walk-up only site).
• Artington Park & Ride, Old Portsmouth Road, Guildford, GU3 1LP (this location is suitable for customers in cars).

Both locations will be open daily 9am to 9pm. 

If you are not located within the postcodes listed, your property is not affected by the ongoing incident, please do not take bottled water. This is reserved for those who are currently unable to drink their water due to the restrictions.

Thames Water has been regularly collecting and assessing drinking water samples in Bramley, following a historical fuel leak from the village petrol station. 
 
It has issued ‘do not drink’ advice as a precautionary measure, following test results received today which indicate a possible deterioration in quality in some areas. 
 
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.  

We have worked with all partners involved in this incident to prepare a list of FAQs click here to see

Tess Fayers, Operations Director for the Thames Valley and Home Counties said: “We are asking over 600 Bramley properties not to drink the tap water following recent water sampling results.   
 
“The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority, and we would like to reassure residents that this is a precautionary measure. We are in the process of delivering letters and bottled water to the affected properties. We are also identifying locations to set-up bottled water stations and we will share this information with our customers as soon as possible. 
 
“We are already on site in the village proactively replacing sections of our pipes on Horsham Road to reduce the risk to our customers.” 
 
Thames Water will continue to carefully assess the situation through its monitoring programme and will work with public authorities, including UKHSA and Waverly Borough Council. 
 
A Waverley Borough Council spokesperson, said: “We are working closely with Thames Water and other agencies to try and mitigate the impact on residents, and we will support residents wherever possible.” 
 
An Asda spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work closely with Thames Water and other partners to address the issues we inherited after acquiring the Bramley PFS site. We recognise the impact this has had on the residents of Bramley and share their frustrations. We are committed to working with all parties to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.” 
 
UKHSA advice regarding hydrocarbons in drinking water: 
 
• When ingested drinking water with hydrocarbons present may lead to nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, however low levels of exposure are not expected to cause long term health effects.  
• If hydrocarbons were present in drinking water, then people would detect an unpleasant odour from the water and therefore be very unlikely to drink it.   
• If residents have any symptoms or health concerns which include irritation to the eyes nose and throat, cough, a hoarse voice and breathing difficulties, it is recommended that they visit their GP or contact NHS 111. 
• If anyone is concerned that their drinking water has a hydrocarbon “petrol like” odour or if there is any other aesthetic concern with their water, please contact Thames Water’s customer centre on 0800 316 9800 so we can investigate further. 

For further updates, please visit our network latest page.