WESSEX Water has been fined almost £300,000 for supplying water that was "unfit for human consumption" in Wiltshire.

Residents complained of a change in both taste and smell in their water in the Amesbury area in March 2021, forcing the company to deliver bottled water to people's houses. 

It has been revealed that this was caused by the water company failing to make the relevant checks on the carbon filter.

If they had completed this, it would have revealed the presence of iodinated organic compounds.

The court case took place at Swindon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, May 30, where Wessex Water, based in Claverton Down, Bath, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991.

Wessex Water received a fine of £280,000 plus a £190 victim surcharge. £21,656.60 in costs were agreed out of court, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which brought the case, said.

Chief Inspector of the DWI, Marcus Rink, said: "Consumers experienced water with an unpleasant taste which would not have happened had the required checks been carried out on the carbon filter before it was brought into use.

“This prosecution acts as a reminder to companies that a water quality first approach must be taken when providing a service to the public. I am content that the court has recognised the seriousness of this event."

A spokesperson for Wessex Water said: “We’re sorry to those customers who noticed a difference in the taste of their water when we supplied water not of the usual high standard. We acted quickly to resolve the problem, notified customers promptly and apologised.

“We have since put steps in place to minimise any likelihood of it happening again.”

The drinking water inspectorate is there to check that water companies in England and Wales supply drinking water suitable for human consumption and that it is both wholesome and acceptable.