High lead level warning in Cotswold village water

Homeowner Matt Winter said Thames Water had told him he would have to pay for any works related to the issue if the pipes were on his property

Residents of a Cotswold village have been told not to drink tap water after high levels of lead were found in it due to lead piping.

Thames Water has issued the warning to 34 properties in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire.

One resident, Anthony Anders, said he was concerned for his health.

Thames Water said it was working with local organisations to "help resolve the issue" and added that it would keep those affected updated.

Anthony Anders said he was thinking of getting a blood test

"Our operational teams will be working to replace any Thames Water-owned pipework that is made of lead," the company said.

"We will also be enhancing the water treatment process in this area to help mitigate the levels of lead inside the pipes."

Mr Anders recalled seeing "lots of Thames Water vans" near his home last week before he received a letter warning him not to drink his tap water.

Thames Water has since provided him and his neighbours with bottles of water.

Patricia Foulds has to run taps for up to three minutes

Recent testing by Thames Water identified the presence of lead pipework at properties on Melville Estate, Spring Vale and Station Road in the village.

The letter claims recent tests have shown lead levels to be between 14.5 and 18.6 micrograms per litre when the maximum should be 10.

The letter also warns residents not to use the tap water even after boiling it and not to give it to pets or use it for cleaning their teeth.

Mr Anders said he was concerned because he said the letter did not state how long the levels had been that high and he had lived there for 24 years.

"I'm thinking of getting a blood test," he said.

"There's days when you don't feel right but that's the last thing you'd think of putting it down to."

'Feeling sick'

Dave Minchin, who has lived in the village for 20 years, said he was "pretty worried" due to his eight-year-old grandson in the house.

"We don't know the long-term effects," he said.

"We don't want them drinking if it's contaminated with lead."

Patricia Foulds, who has lived in the area for 18 years, said: "Since we've been drinking the water we've been feeling sick - running to the bathroom every five minutes."

She said Thames Water had told her she could continue to drink tap water as the water in her pipes had less lead.

"They said just run the water for two to three minutes," she added.

She said she had not been given bottled water.

'Keeping consumers safe'

Prof Chad Staddon, an expert in water resources, said: “Because long-term exposure to lead is a well-known human health hazard, water companies are legally required to continually monitor lead levels and will take water out of supply if levels exceed the regulatory standard until the root cause can be identified and corrected.

"The fact that this happens a few times per year around the country is evidence that the system works and is keeping consumers safe from lead risk.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "Customer representatives and water technicians have been in the area over the last few weeks and returned again this week to explain this to those impacted.

"We would like to reassure all our customers the impact is in this specific area only and those affected have been made aware."