Thames Water Issues FAQs on Bramley Water Contamination

Published on: 1 Jun, 2024
Updated on: 2 Jun, 2024

Thames Water has issued the following Frequently Asked Questions regarding the contamination of the water supply in Bramley that has affected over 600 homes.

In the answers, Thames Water gives information on health concerns and further information about the causes of the petrol leak that has led to the current situation. They are published unedited…

1. What’s happened?

This follows a historical fuel leak from the village petrol station. The petrol has infiltrated the ground and entered into some of our pipes. We have proactively 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 yesterday’s test result.

2. How long will the notice last for?

We need to conclude our investigations before we can answer that. For now, the health and wellbeing of these residents is our number one priority, and we won’t change the guidance until we’re absolutely sure it’s safe to do so.

3. Can you reassure other residents 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.

4. 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 UK Health Security Agency (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.

5. You closed down water for St Catherine’s school a fortnight 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 yesterday’s test result. Different pipes serve different parts of the village so any impact is not universal.

6. 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.

7. What has changed in the last week?

Sampling undertaken by Thames Water has shown that there has been an increase in the levels of hydrocarbons in the water supply in the last week.

8. I was drinking the water last night 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, which means you would be able to smell it in the water and are therefore unlikely to drink it, this reduces potential exposures and the risk of adverse health effects.

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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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, which means you would be able to smell it in the water and are therefore unlikely to drink it. This reduces potential exposures and the risk of adverse health effects.

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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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. We 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.

18. How are Asda cleaning up the existing damage?

The pump and treat system which has been installed by our 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.

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

The works include: