Westminster City Council has apologised to residents of Morgan House on the Lillington and Longmoor Gardens Estate in Pimlico for its handling of an incident in April 2025 that left tap water brown and smelling of petrol. The council has promised a full investigation into the contamination and will test all relevant water supplies.
Residents left scared to use water
Tenants reported foul water for at least two months, with some experiencing irritated and itchy skin. Many residents remain fearful of using the water, claiming the council did not conduct sufficient testing. In June 2025, residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) about the ongoing issue.
At a meeting on July 7, 2026, council officers agreed to issue a formal apology and test all water supplies to ensure safety. Resident Ernest Stafford criticised the council's response, stating: "No resident should ever smell a petrol-type substance in their tap water. Industry guidance says any hydrocarbon odour should trigger an immediate investigation."
Council blamed Thames Water initially
The council initially attributed the problem to Thames Water, but Thames Water tests showed no issues with incoming supply. Residents noted that hot water taps were also affected. The council conducted pH tests on hot water, which returned normal, but standard pH testing does not detect hydrocarbons. Subsequent hydrocarbon tests in June and July 2025 also came back normal.
The council suggested discolouration was caused by disturbed iron sediment. However, residents argue that hot water tests were unreliable because they were taken from an empty flat. The council also promised to provide documentation about a red diesel tank on the estate.
Apology and investigation promised
Councillor Ed Pitt Ford, representing Pimlico North, said: "I am incredibly grateful that the new administration is treating this incident with the severity that it deserves. Residents not only had to put up with contaminated water but they then had to deal with refusals to carry out the appropriate testing, a dismissive attitude from all levels to their valid concerns and a complete absence of leadership."
He added: "I was relieved yesterday to see an end to that culture and for the residents to receive an apology for what they have been put through. We need to introduce a new culture of accepting and learning from mistakes."
Housing Ombudsman findings
The Housing Ombudsman found 'service failure' in the council's handling, including failure to log the incident per its emergency protocol and delays in reporting to the water company. However, it also noted that the council responded reasonably on the day of the event. The council will implement the Ombudsman's recommendations.
Westminster City Council did not comment on the meeting outcome. In April, it had stated that Thames Water was responsible for supplying the building. Residents continue to demand answers about the contamination's cause and assurance of water safety.
