A previous version of this story suggested the affected sample was taken in 2020 but Severn Trent had failed to address the issue hence the order being issued last month, however, Severn Trent, has since clarified that the affected sample was in fact taken in 2025.
A LEGAL notice has been handed out following issues with the quality of drinking water in some Worcester homes.
Severn Trent was issued a legal notice by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) following a "significant risk" of iron breaches in drinking water found in a small number of city homes.
The notice states the drinking water has been categorised as "a potential danger to human health or unwholesome".
However, Defra said the notice related to the aesthetics of the water rather than health risks. High iron levels turn the water an orange colour but will not pose significant health risks to most people.
Severn Trent said the "slightly elevated sample" was taken in April 2025 and was reported to the DWI in accordance with the Drinking Water Quality Regulations and the water company had agreed to carrying out the remedial works and timescale.
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A spokesperson for the Drinking Water Inspectorate said: "Severn Trent identified a risk of iron when carrying out their proactive risk assessment process in 2020. This was mitigated by the company at the time. In April 2025, a sample exceeding the standard was reported and therefore the DWI took enforcement action by issuing a notice as the risk was no longer adequately managed."
They added: : "The Drinking Water Inspectorate has issued a formal notice to Severn Trent Water requiring structured, time-bound action to address elevated iron levels in a small area of the Worcester City Water Quality Zone.
"The notice ensures Severn Trent investigates the root cause and delivers solutions, with enforceable deadlines and ongoing monitoring."
What actions does Severn Trent need to take?
The notice has provided Severn Trent with a strict timeline for completing and submitting investigations, reviews, audits, and solutions to the government body DWI.
The company has until this year to assess the risk of elevated iron levels in the drinking water supply and must deliver its solution by December 2026.
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Severn Trent will also need to regularly sample customers' taps for iron and continue to report complaints about discoloured water until the notice ends in 2028.
A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We reported the small increase in iron levels affecting only a handful of households to the DWI during our regular sampling.
"At no stage was there any risk to health as iron in water is not harmful at these slightly elevated levels.
"We traced the cause to a small iron pipe which we are now replacing.
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"The DWI notice does state higher levels can cause ‘unwholesome’ issues – this means discolouration."
Can I still drink the water in Worcester?
The water in Worcester is still drinkable.
High iron levels are not a health-based standard and can instead affect the water's aesthetic through discolouration.
Severn Trent said it has not received any reports of discolouration in its water but revealed the issue is normally solved by letting the tap run for a few minutes.
Councillor Richard Udall said he has requested an item on the issue to be added to next week's Licensing and Environmental Health Committee Agenda.
He said: "Clean drinking water is an important issue, but this appears to be a historical incident and not one which gives any immediate risk, but we will try to find out and offer help and advice where necessary.
"My personal view is that privatisation of the water industry has failed, so this may be evidence that further regulation may be needed.
"Public safety must be our priority, not shareholder profits.
"We will contact the DWI and see what if anything more they can or will tell us. If we gain any more information, we shall share it with residents and elected members".
