AN urgent “do not drink” notice has been issued to more than 600 homes in a Surrey village.
It comes after Thames Water raised concerns over tap water tests relating to 616 homes in Bramley.
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They indicated “a possible deterioration in quality in some areas”.
Letters and bottled water will be hand delivered to those affected properties over this evening and tomorrow morning.
The water can still be used to wash or flush the toilet, the firm added.
Thames Water has been regularly doing additional collecting and assessing drinking water samples in Bramley since October 2023 – following a historical fuel leak from the village petrol station.
It reiterated that water has been safe to drink “up to this point”, as confirmed by “rigorous water testing”.
Tess Fayers, Operations Director for the Thames Valley and Home Counties said: “We are asking 616 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.”
I live in Bramley – what should I do?
The notice means 616 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 and tomorrow morning.
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.