An emergency “do not drink” notice has been issued to homes in a Surrey village as hundreds of people queue for water.
Thames Water has raised concerns over tap water tests affecting 616 households in Bramley – with a spokesperson confirming to The Sun that the problem could last for up to a month.
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A resident speaks to a member of Thames Water staff at a collection point Credit: SWNS
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Workers are also hand-delivering bottles to affected residentsCredit: SWNS
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Roadworks surround a petrol station in Bramley where a fuel leak previously occurredCredit: LNP
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The problem is linked to a previous fuel leak at the village petrol station, which is now managed by Asda.
Thames Water has increased water sampling and testing from October 2023 in light of the problem.
But the company was forced to take drastic measures following the latest test results and is currently replacing the water pipe off-site, which could take three or four weeks.
Asked if the do not drink notice would remain in place for the same period, a spokeswoman told The Sun: “That’s our current assessment.
“We will continue to supply bottled water during that time.”
The notice states that the test results as of today indicated “a possible deterioration in quality in some areas.”
The owner of a pub in a village with a ‘no drinking’ notice says business is suffering
Chris Hardstone, landlord of the Jolly Farmer, claims he has been complaining about the fuel problem since 2021.
The 67-year-old has run the pub with his brother Steve (66) for 40 years. Chris said: “In 2021, our basement just reeked of fumes – and this smell of petrol wafted up to the bar.
“It took a long time to get people to come and look, but when they did, we had people checking for gas leaks, fire safety.
“At first we were told it was mold – but it wasn’t, of course. It was a leak from the gas station.”
Mr Hardstone said they had to close the hotel part of the pub as a result – meaning they lost business.
“These issues meant we had to close our accommodation department – so we lost business there,” he said.
“And of course, when word gets out that the local pub smells of petrol, that also affects business.”
Letters and bottled water are being hand-delivered to affected properties throughout the evening and tomorrow morning – or they can be collected.
The water can still be used for washing or flushing toilets, the company added.
Thames Water reiterated that the water was safe to drink “up to this point”, confirmed by “rigorous water testing” in recent months following the fuel leak.
Tess Fayers, Thames Water’s regional director of operations, told BBC Radio Surrey: “Unfortunately, it will take between three or four weeks. There is work going on in the high street on Horsham Road, where I know it’s very frustrating because it’s disrupting traffic in that area.
Thames Water issues emergency ‘DO NOT drink’ warning to hundreds of homes in Surrey after fuel leak sparks major health fears
“We hope to complete these works as soon as possible. We are looking for ways to speed it up. We ask residents to bare with us. We may be working all night.”
Tess Fayers, director of operations for the Thames Valley and Home Counties, previously said: “We are asking 616 Bramley properties not to drink their tap water following recent water sampling results.
“The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority and we want to assure citizens that this is a precautionary measure.
“We are in the process of delivering letters and bottled water to affected properties.
“We are also identifying locations for bottled water stations and will share this information with our customers as soon as possible.
“We are already on site in the village and are 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 program and will work with public authorities, including UKHSA and Waverly Borough Council.
A spokesman for Waverley Borough Council 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 spokesman said: “We continue to work closely with Thames Water and other partners to resolve the issues we inherited following the takeover of the Bramley PFS site.
“We are aware of 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.”
I live in Bramley – what should I do?
The notice means 616 facilities are being asked not to use their water supplies for drinking, cooking or brushing their teeth – customers can continue to use the water for showering and hand washing.
Letters and bottled water will be hand delivered to those affected properties throughout the evening and tomorrow morning.
The ‘do not drink’ advice will remain in place while further tests are carried out. During this time, affected customers are advised to:
- Do not drink tap water or give it to pets.
- Do not prepare or cook food using tap water.
- Do not use tap water to brush your teeth.
- Do not use tap water even after cooking.
- Can use tap water for washing.
- Can use tap water to flush the toilet.
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Petrol station operated by Asda where historic leak occurred Credit: SWNS
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More than 600 households are affected by this problemCredit: SWNS
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