Boil Water Alert in Lee-on-the-Solent: Residents Warned After Bacteria Detected in Water Sample
Around 70 properties in Lee-on-the-Solent face a boil water notice after bacteria were detected in a routine water sample. Find out which streets are affected and what residents should do.
Introduction
Residents in part of Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, have been advised to boil their tap water after a routine water quality test indicated the possible presence of harmful bacteria. The precautionary notice affects approximately 70 properties across four streets while further testing is carried out.
Portsmouth Water, the local water supplier, has issued guidance instructing affected households to boil water before drinking it, brushing their teeth, cleaning dishes, preparing food, or giving water to pets. Bottled water is also being provided while the company investigates the issue.
The alert highlights the importance of following official water safety advice when a potential contamination risk is identified. Although the detection of bacteria in a sample does not automatically mean that everyone has been exposed to harmful microorganisms, following the boil water notice can help reduce potential health risks.
Why Has a Boil Water Notice Been Issued?
According to Portsmouth Water, a routine water quality test conducted over the weekend indicated the presence of bacteria in a sample collected from a fire hydrant in Martin Close, Lee-on-the-Solent.
The company has taken precautionary action while investigating the findings and conducting additional water quality tests.
As reported on October 19, 2026, the additional samples had been incubated overnight and were undergoing analysis. The water supplier said residents should continue boiling their tap water until they receive confirmation that the sampling results are clear.
A boil water notice is issued when there is a potential concern about the microbiological safety of a drinking water supply. Boiling water can help destroy many disease-causing microorganisms and reduce the risk of waterborne illness.
However, the notice does not necessarily establish that harmful bacteria have been confirmed throughout the affected supply. Further testing is required to determine the extent and nature of the concern.
Which Streets Are Affected by the Water Safety Alert?
The boil water notice applies to around 70 properties in Lee-on-the-Solent.
According to the report, the affected streets are:
- Martin Close
- Bullfinch Court
- Magpie Lane
- Chaffinch Way
Residents living in these locations should follow the instructions provided directly by Portsmouth Water.
The water supplier has also arranged alternative water supplies for affected households. Collection points have been established at the junction of Martin Close and Magpie Lane and outside 14 Chaffinch Way.
Residents using these alternative supplies have been advised to use them in moderation.
Households should check the latest communications from Portsmouth Water for updates about the affected properties, alternative water arrangements, and the lifting of the notice.
What Should Residents Do During a Boil Water Notice?
During a boil water notice, residents should take extra care when using tap water for activities that could lead to ingestion.
Portsmouth Water has advised affected customers to boil tap water before using it for drinking, brushing their teeth, cleaning dishes, or giving water to pets.
Other activities that require boiled water include:
1. Drinking water
Bring tap water to a rolling boil before allowing it to cool. Store the cooled water in a clean, covered container to prevent recontamination.
2. Brushing teeth
Use boiled and cooled water or bottled water for brushing your teeth. Avoid accidentally swallowing unboiled tap water.
3. Preparing food
Use boiled and cooled water when washing food that will be eaten without further cooking. Follow official advice when preparing meals that require water as an ingredient.
4. Making ice cubes
Do not use unboiled tap water to make ice. Use boiled and cooled water or bottled water instead.
5. Preparing baby feeds
Follow the relevant public health guidance for preparing infant formula safely. Boiling water for a general boil water notice does not replace the specific temperature and preparation instructions required for infant feeds.
6. Cleaning food preparation surfaces
Use boiled and cooled water or another suitable safe water source when cleaning surfaces that come into contact with food.
7. Washing dishes
Follow the water supplier's instructions for washing dishes. Check the manufacturer's guidance before using a dishwasher or a boiling-water tap during the notice.
Portsmouth Water has specifically advised customers to consult appliance manufacturers because dishwashers should only be used where the water is heated to at least 70°C for five minutes or more, according to the reported guidance.
When in doubt, use an alternative safe method and follow the latest instructions from the water supplier.
Can You Still Use Tap Water for Washing and Showering?
Yes. According to the reported advice from Portsmouth Water, unboiled tap water may still be used for certain household activities.
These include:
- Washing clothes in a washing machine.
- Showering and bathing, provided water is not swallowed.
- Flushing toilets.
- Other activities specifically permitted by the water supplier.
Residents should take care when bathing young children or anyone who may accidentally swallow water.
Avoid using unboiled tap water for drinking, toothbrushing, food preparation, or other activities covered by the notice.
If the water changes colour, develops an unusual smell, or appears abnormal, contact the water supplier for advice rather than assuming that boiling alone will address every possible problem.
What Are the Potential Health Risks of Contaminated Water?
Drinking water contaminated with certain harmful microorganisms can cause gastrointestinal illness. Depending on the organism involved, symptoms may include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
However, the health effects depend on the type of microorganism, the amount ingested, and the individual's overall health. The specific bacteria involved in the Lee-on-the-Solent incident had not been identified in the supplied report.
It is therefore important not to assume that a particular infection has been confirmed.
Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to complications from some waterborne infections.
Anyone who has consumed unboiled water from the affected supply and subsequently feels unwell should seek medical advice. Portsmouth Water has advised residents to contact their GP or pharmacist, or call NHS 111, if they develop symptoms.
Seek urgent medical assistance if symptoms are severe or there are signs of significant dehydration.
Portsmouth Water Investigates and Provides Alternative Supplies
Portsmouth Water has said that providing safe drinking water remains its priority.
The company is investigating the initial test result and carrying out additional sampling to establish whether the water supply meets the required safety standards.
In the meantime, bottled water is being provided to affected residents, alongside the alternative collection points established in Lee-on-the-Solent.
The supplier has thanked customers for their patience and understanding while the investigation continues.
Residents should not stop boiling their water simply because additional tests have been taken. The notice should be considered active until Portsmouth Water officially confirms that the supply is safe to use without the additional precautions.
Conclusion
The Lee-on-the-Solent boil water notice serves as a reminder that routine water quality testing plays an important role in protecting public health.
Around 70 properties across Martin Close, Bullfinch Court, Magpie Lane, and Chaffinch Way have been affected by the precautionary alert following a water sample that indicated the presence of bacteria.
Until the water supplier confirms that the issue has been resolved, affected residents should boil water before drinking, brushing their teeth, cleaning dishes, preparing food, or giving it to pets. Bottled water and designated alternative supplies are also available, according to the reported announcement.
Following official guidance, maintaining good hygiene, and monitoring updates from Portsmouth Water can help households reduce potential risks while testing continues.
Residents should rely on the latest official announcement from Portsmouth Water for confirmation of when the boil water notice has been lifted.
Sources
- Portsmouth Water — statements and water safety guidance quoted in the supplied news report concerning the Lee-on-the-Solent boil water notice, published October 19, 2026. Visit the official supplier website:
- The Sun, report published October 19, 2026.
- Health advice: NHS 111 — the UK health service's non-emergency advice service, which residents can contact if they become unwell after drinking potentially contaminated water