Historic 150-year-old water fountain turns off taps after locals ignored 'unsafe to drink' warning

Susanna Siddell
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:16:06 +0000

A historic 150-year-old fountain has turned off its taps after locals ignored warnings about the water being unsafe to drink.

The Victorian water feature near the lush Surrey town of Godalming has been switched off after authorities ruled its supply unfit for drinking.

Dating back to 1877, the Hascombe fountain, which bears the inscription "whoever will let him take the water of life freely", attracted visitors from across the region.

However, the Waverley Borough Council and the Drinking Water Inspectorate declared the water posed health risks.

Warning notices had already been placed around the historic structure – but defiant locals insisted on collecting and drinking the water anyway.

Gisella De Gennaro, Senior Environmental Health Officer, said: "Despite signage, people have continued to collect and drink the water. Advice from the Drinking Water Inspectorate was that restricting access is a sensible precaution where water is not intended for human consumption."

The parish council ultimately chose to disconnect the supply entirely, with the fountain's ageing infrastructure presenting multiple hazards to the locals.

Gisella De Gennaro, Senior Environmental Health Officer, said: "The Hascombe Fountain is an ageing structure and is not maintained or regulated as a drinking water source."

"There are potential risks associated with the water, including a lack of treatment and filtration, the condition of the pipework, and its exposure to the surrounding environment."

The decision to cut off access followed guidance from the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Ms De Gennaro explained: "This was shared with Hascombe Parish Council, who decided to switch off the supply to protect public health."

However, the fountain could be made safe to drink again, with environment officers working with the parish council to find a way to move forward.

Two potential routes forward are now under consideration by the parish council, with the first step making the water safe for human consumption through quality testing.

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Three separate tests would be required, each spaced three weeks apart, with an estimated cost of £700 per test.

These assessments must occur when the spring reaches its lowest flow, which usually occurs around September.

A parish council spokesman said: "We recognise that this process is slow and frustrating, and we are exploring all options to restore the water supply as quickly as possible."

The alternative approach would involve installing physical measures to prevent people from collecting water at the fountain.

However, the spokesman warned: "If a physical structure is pursued, Listed Building Consent will be required, which is likely to extend the timescale."

The parish council is scheduled to meet in May to discuss whether reserve funds should be allocated for the initial water quality testing.

Borough council officials have confirmed they remain in discussions with the parish council about finding a workable solution.

However, the historic feature in the quaint English town continues to stand dry while both options are evaluated.