A probe into an ongoing water leak on a main route in Ottery St Mary has found a blocked gully, prompting an action plan to prevent future problems.
Water was seen leaking from a drain in North Street and Paternoster Row for several weeks from late July, sparking concern from residents after areas in East Devon were slapped with a hosepipe ban amid multiple heatwaves. The leak occurred twice, with water running from a drain over several days.
Concerned residents reported the recurring leak to South West Water, who investigated but found no trace of drinking water. The leak was found to be the result of a nearby blocked gully, believed to be routed underneath the road.
Devon County Council (DCC) this week said its officers were looking to prevent further leaks, fixing the problem with a filter. The county council said a blockage had been cleared twice, the leak fixed, and plans were in the pipeline to prevent future issues.
A Devon County Council spokesperson said: “The water leak was investigated in late July and a blockage in the outlet pipe from the gully was cleared.
“The issue later reoccurred after debris became trapped in the pipe. The blockage has now been removed and the leak resolved.
“Officers are also looking at installing a mesh at the pipe inlet to help prevent the problem from happening again.”
The leaking roadside drain where North Street meets Paternoster Row was the result of a gully blocked by debris, which led to nearby stream water being rerouted.
South West Water said it was not responsible for fixing the problem after tests revealed the leak was untreated water. A South West Water spokesperson said: “We’ve investigated the issue and our samples have found that this is not drinking water.
“The likely cause is natural water being diverted to the surface due to a blocked or collapsed culvert or drainage asset not owned by South West Water.”
Ottery St Mary Leak Blockage Prompts Council Action Plan