John Lewis has stepped in to support the residents of Longstock Village as they face ongoing water contamination issues. Over the past five months, the retailer’s Leckford Estate has supplied free bottled water to approximately 500 villagers after high levels of nitrate were discovered in the local water supply.
Nitrate Contamination and Action Taken
Located near Andover in Hampshire, Longstock’s water supply has been historically managed by Leckford Estate since 1929. In April 2025, routine testing revealed elevated nitrate levels exceeding safe limits. Following advice from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), the Estate began providing bottled water to ensure the health and safety of the community, particularly vulnerable groups like pregnant women and infants under six months.
A spokesperson for the Estate explained, “The presence of nitrates is unfortunately a nationwide issue. We’re committed to maintaining uninterrupted access to safe drinking water, and we’ve installed filtration systems to address the problem.” Efforts are ongoing, with filtration being implemented at additional boreholes across the region—a process expected to take up to a month.
Health Recommendations for Residents
While the contaminated tap water is considered safe for most adults, residents have been advised to limit its consumption and use bottled or external water sources for about 25% of their overall hydration needs. Pregnant individuals and infants, however, are advised to avoid the tap water altogether as a precautionary measure.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) highlights the risks of high nitrate levels, including the potential for methaemoglobinaemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” which can be fatal for young children. The condition occurs when nitrates convert to nitrites in the digestive system, interfering with the blood’s oxygen absorption capacity.
Plans for Long-Term Solutions
The Leckford Estate has reassured residents of its commitment to resolving the nitrate issue. Efforts include exploring options to integrate with the local water provider and upgrading infrastructure to stabilize nitrate levels below the legally prescribed concentration of 50mg/l. Once the levels are regulated, normal tap water supply will resume.
Local officials confirmed that no public health notices have been issued due to the estate’s proactive measures. “Test Valley Borough Council has worked in close coordination with Leckford Estate to address the issue and ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents,” a council representative commented.
Nitrate Contamination: A National Issue
The situation in Longstock reflects a broader problem highlighted in an Environment Agency report from December 2024, which stated that 55% of England is designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). This means close to 30% of groundwater used for drinking water must be treated, blended, or replaced to comply with nitrate standards.
While the issue persists, Longstock residents can take comfort in the proactive steps being taken by both the John Lewis Partnership and local authorities to ensure clean and safe water continues to flow to their community.
