Residents of the small village of Longstock, near Andover, have been reliant on bottled water supplied by the Leckford Estate, a part of the John Lewis Partnership, for the last five months. This measure was implemented after tests revealed a concerning level of nitrates in the local water supply earlier this year.
Addressing the Nitrate Contamination
Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) recommended the Leckford Estate provide bottled water to Longstock’s 500 residents after nitrate levels in the water exceeded safe thresholds in April 2025. The estate, which has been responsible for water supply in Longstock since 1929, committed to this temporary solution while implementing long-lasting measures.
To combat the issue, Leckford Estate representatives have installed a filtration system and plan to expand it to other boreholes in the region. However, this process could take up to a month, meaning bottled water will remain the primary drinking source for residents in the short term.
An estate spokesperson stated, “The presence of nitrates is, unfortunately, a nationwide issue. We remain in close contact with our residents and have supplied free bottled water while we install advanced filtration systems. We are also exploring options to connect Longstock with a local water provider as a permanent solution.”
Who Is Affected?
For most residents, the tap water is deemed safe to consume in combination with alternative sources such as bottled water. However, pregnant women and infants under six months old are advised to avoid it as a precaution. Leckford Estate has provided these residents with written information, explaining actions taken to ensure safety.
A Broader Concern
The issue in Longstock reflects a nationwide problem. According to a December 2024 report from the Environment Agency, 55 percent of England is considered a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). The report highlighted that nearly 30 percent of groundwater intended for drinking requires treatment or blending to meet safety standards.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate has also raised awareness about the potential health risks of high nitrate levels. Excessive nitrate intake can lead to conditions like methaemoglobinaemia, also known as blue baby syndrome, which can be fatal to infants. This illness occurs when nitrates are converted to nitrites in the gut, impeding oxygen absorption in the bloodstream.
Next Steps
The Leckford Estate continues to work closely with TVBC and affected residents to address the contamination. The estate’s efforts aim to stabilize nitrate levels below the prescribed 50mg/l concentration, allowing the local water supply to return to normal.
A TVBC spokesperson commented on the situation, “Test Valley Borough Council was notified in April 2025 and has taken steps to guide the estate on resolving the matter. There has been no need for public health notices, and the estate has taken responsibility for communicating directly with affected residents.”
This incident highlights the urgent need for improved water management in vulnerable zones nationwide, as nitrate contamination continues to pose challenges for both local authorities and private water suppliers.
