Repairs begin after lead found in village water

Pipes are being replaced in a Cotswold village where residents were told they could not drink tap water.

Thames Water issued the warning to 34 properties in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire earlier this month, meaning more than 70 households had to run their taps for at least two minutes before using the water.

The firm had to change the pipes due to high levels of lead being found.

Thames Water said the incident is a "very rare occurrence" and it takes water quality "extremely seriously".

The company has been providing some residents with bottles of water while waiting for the repairs, which started on Wednesday.

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

In a letter sent to residents, Thames Water said tests had shown lead levels to be between 14.5 and 18.6 micrograms per litre when the maximum should be 10.

Residents told the BBC they were concerned for their health about the water quality after running the tap.

A Thames Water spokesperson said 34 properties were still on a "restriction of water use" notice and it was providing them with bottled water.

"There are 80 properties who have been advised to run their taps for two minutes before use.

“We would like to reassure the wider community that we take the quality of our water extremely seriously.

"It is among the highest-quality drinking water in the world – and that this is a very rare occurrence.”

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