Background information
A major pollution incident impacting on surface waters and groundwater could be caused by a chemical spillage or release of a large quantity of untreated sewage. This would lead to a persistent and/or extensive effect on water quality, major damage to aquatic ecosystems, closure of potable abstraction points, and impact on human health.
The impact can result in the loss of habitat, flora, and fauna, but it can also affect commercial enterprises such as watercress and fish farms and may pose a threat to human health. It can have a significant impact on water abstractions, including water abstraction for public water supply and to areas of river used as a public recreation resource.
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the risk of pollution to groundwater is of particular concern as 85% of our drinking water comes from groundwater aquifers some of which do not have sustainable alternative supplies. The most common types of pollution that give rise to major pollution are sewage, silt, agricultural effluent, pesticides, herbicides, and oil. Accidents at industrial sites or during transport via roads in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are rare but also have the potential to create pollution.
Local Risk Rating
Very High
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
Within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum we work with water companies to consider groundwater aquifers and alternative water supplies. The Environment Agency regulate to reduce potential impacts from pollution including to groundwater.
Some industrial processes are regulated under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations, which aim to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and to limit the consequences to people and the environment of any incidents that do occur. Local Authorities work closely with these sites to prepare Emergency Plans where they are required under the regulations.
Associated Risks
- Major Maritime Pollution
- Accidental large toxic chemical release from an onshore major hazard (COMAH) site
- Accidental fire or explosion at an onshore fuel pipeline
- Accidental work-related release of hazardous pathogen
- Surface water flooding
- Groundwater flooding
- Fire or pollution at a waste site
How can you prepare?
If you or someone you lives with is vulnerable ensure you are on the priority services register for your water company.
Consider water saving measures in your house.
For more information on the priority services register, look at our households pages.
