Upavon military families told 'do not drink' after water contamination

Diesel fuel had leaked into the water supply at Trenchard Lines

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 24th Nov 2023

A 'do not drink' instruction has been issued to people using a private water supply at Trenchard Lines in Upavon.

Consumers had been complaining of an odour in the water supply and it's been discovered that diesel fuel has contaminated the supply, which feeds family accommodation and military buildings the RAF site and a golf club.

This type of contamination is noticeable at low levels, due to the odour and taste.

The supply comes from Ancala Water Services, who manage the supply on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and is regulated by Wiltshire Council.

Following the contamination, the Council have issued Ancala with a formal notice under the Private Water Supplies Regulations, which meant the supply needed to be restricted or prohibited.

In a statement, the Council said:

“We have been working closely with Ancala Water Services, the MOD and Environment Agency and are satisfied appropriate actions have been taken to protect human health since the contamination was identified.”

Bottled water has been supplied to those affected, as well as showers and laundry services.

Ancala are working to clear the contamination from the water supply, which would allow the restrictions to be lifted.

A statement from the MOD said:

"Recent water samples taken are showing a decrease in levels of contamination; we are continuing to work with our contractors to resolve the situation as soon as possible."

Ancala declined to comment to us directly.

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