In a precautionary move following tests conducted by Thames Water subsequent to a prior fuel spill, more than 600 households in a village in Surrey have been

cautioned against consuming tap water. The warning, issued for properties in Bramley, comes amidst lingering worries over a petrol station leakage that has persisted for several months.

Thames Water highlighted "concerning results" detected in three specific areas, indicating heightened levels of hydrocarbons, the constituents of petrol. Helen Melia, a resident of Bramley, expressed significant inconvenience and apprehension, stating, "It's hugely inconvenient - hugely worrying."

According to Tess Fayers, Thames Water's regional operations director, the water quality issues are directly linked to the persistent fuel leakage issue in Bramley. Residents have resorted to purchasing bottled water from local shops as a precautionary measure, with some, like Catha Holt, having switched to bottled water since the beginning of the year due to concerns about the water supply.

Although the advisory does not cover the Jolly Farmer pub, its landlord, Steve Hardstone, reported significant damage to the establishment, attributing it to the pervasive smell of fuel. Despite the adversity, the pub intends to cautiously continue using tap water.

To assist affected residents, bottle banks have been established outside Bramley library and at Artington Park-and-Ride. However, some residents, like Helen Melia, reported not receiving bottled water from Thames Water but had stored some in their homes for basic needs.

Thames Water has advised against using tap water for oral hygiene or food preparation, even after boiling. Nevertheless, it assured that the water remains safe for bathing, flushing toilets, and using in washing machines. The company has been vigilant in conducting additional water tests since October, with the frequency recently increased to approximately 12 tests per week.

The ongoing fuel leak from the village petrol station has prompted concerns from the Environment Agency, which continues to investigate the groundwater pollution incident in Bramley. The repercussions of this issue have been felt economically by local businesses, with reported losses amounting to £100,000 due to the persistent fuel odor.

Thames Water is currently undertaking pipe replacement works outside the petrol station, expected to last for about four weeks. Jane Austin, a Conservative councillor, lamented the series of unfortunate events brought upon the village by the fuel leak, emphasizing the frustrations of the community.

The recent water advisory in Bramley echoes a similar situation in Devon, where thousands were instructed to boil tap water following a parasite outbreak. South West Water is investigating the Hillhead reservoir and the broader Alston area as potential sources of the outbreak, which has resulted in 100 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium according to the UK Health Security Agency. Photo by Celiapratginestos, Wikimedia commons.