Beloved Village Spring Turns Toxic: Residents Baffled by Mysterious Pollution

In September 2025, the residents of Blockley village were shocked to learn that the Russell Spring, a beloved 175-year-old drinking fountain, had become a polluted health hazard. According to local county councillor Tom Bradley, Thames Water had detected high levels of nitrates and the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium in the spring's water, making it unsafe for human consumption.

The news has left the community deeply concerned, as the spring has been a primary source of clean drinking water for generations. Retired teacher Jeremy Bourne, who has been drinking from the spring since 1947, expressed dismay at the sudden turn of events. Locals and visitors from as far as Malvern had long relied on the spring's pure, superior water.

However, the investigation into the source of the pollution has been frustratingly opaque. Authorities have been passing the buck, with Thames Water, Severn Trent Water, and various government agencies denying responsibility or failing to provide clear answers. Even the Gloucestershire County Council, which may own the spring, has been unresponsive to inquiries.

Residents have taken matters into their own hands, commissioning independent water tests that confirmed the high nitrate levels and the presence of E. coli. The spring's designation as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone suggests that agricultural runoff may be the culprit, but no one seems willing to investigate or enforce the relevant environmental regulations.

This saga has become a microcosm of the disconnect between local communities and the organizations tasked with protecting their resources. As the future of the beloved Russell Spring remains uncertain, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need to safeguard our shared natural assets.