Fuel leak at Brittany water plant triggers tap water ban

Thousands of residents in Brittany faced a tap water ban following a leak at a water treatment plant this week. Homes in two communes continue to face restrictions on using the mains water supply.

A fuel leak at the station in Longaulnay (Ille-et-Vilaine) led to a complete ban on tap water usage for more than a dozen communes in the department, before the impact was limited to five main communes supplied by a specific reservoir.

While restrictions included the usual bans on drinking tap water, it also extended to a ban on prolonged exposure to the mains water supply, meaning baths and showers were also prohibited.

Residents in the communes of Longaulnay, Bécherel, and Miniac-sous-Bécherel were primarily affected, as well as some in Cardroc and Saint-Pern. Further testing on Wednesday (March 25), limited the ban to parts of Longaulnay and Cardroc.

In these two communes, restrictions remain in place while further tests are conducted.

Local mairies are handing out bottled water to impacted households.

Generator fuel leaked into supply

The ban comes following an incident at the Linquéniac water plant, which saw fuel used to power a generator leak into a reservoir that makes up part of the local drinking water network.

Initially unsure of the impact of the leak due to the interconnected water supply in the area, authorities banned tap water consumption for all residents supplied by the network, constituting dozens of communes in Ille-et-Vilaine.

Further studies on Tuesday (March 24) confirmed the leak was limited to one reservoir, lifting restrictions in all but five communes. The water supply was then shut off to empty and clean supply tanks and run tests throughout the network. 

Despite most restrictions being lifted, local authorities are asking residents to remain aware of potential issues. Anyone who notices that the tap water has a smell should contact the local water supply authority SAUR on 02 78 51 80 09.