By Isle of Wight Observer
Southern Water has confirmed serious water safety issues at a former Shalfleet car wash, including “Very High (Serious Health Hazard)” risks, uncontrolled chemical discharge, and potential contamination of the local mains supply which three other businesses share.
Shalfleet Garage owner Chris Cornford blocked the exit to the car wash with a truck last week over health concerns, after his staff complained of skin and eye irritation and breathing difficulties. The chemical-laden water used by the unenclosed car wash drifted over his forecourt, affecting customers and staff.
Mr Cornford is a director of the IW Observer with no editorial control.
A water-regulations report identified six contraventions to the water supply. Four carry the highest hazard rating, Fluid Category 5 (FC5), representing the most serious risk to human health. Issues include insufficient backflow protection, open cisterns posing a “serious Legionella risk” along with the hose supplying them, and a tank design likely to cause contamination.
The landlord of the car wash site has since turned off the water and electricity supply and the car wash is no longer in operation.
Mr Cornford said: “I tried to sort the issues out amicably, but the car wash owner did nothing. Over the last few weeks my staff have suffered serious eye and skin irritation and breathing problems. I contacted Southern Water, the Environment Agency and the IW Council, but they did nothing until the IW Observer contacted their press officers. The health issues now identified by Southern Water, are just about the water supply – the chemical contamination in the air is separate – I believe Environmental Health are investigating that aspect.”
A second report on the car wash site by a Southern Water wastewater engineer found “clear evidence that contaminated surface water runoff from the site is entering the environment via an uncontrolled drainage route.” The receiving ditch was “visibly polluted” with a strong chemical smell, with test strips showing elevated ammonia levels. The report noted that “surrounding topography and drainage patterns” suggest that Newtown Creek National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, may be the destination for the polluted water. Immediate containment measures were recommended.
An IW Council Environmental Health Officer has also taken statements from affected staff, telling them they may need to give evidence in court.
Addressing online criticism regarding the truck movement, Mr Cornford explained he moved the vehicle from one side of his site to the other with trade plates in the cab and would be happy to talk to the police if they wished to speak to him, adding: “My staff and I were left to deal with the consequences of an operation that was making people ill and polluting the environment. I regret losing my temper with the car wash owner – something he videoed and circulated online – but I had reached the end of my tether.”
Local councillor Nick Stuart said: “I’ve been deeply concerned about this unauthorised car wash since residents and neighbouring businesses first raised it with me, and
I’ve engaged directly with Council planning and Environment Health and Southern Water to ensure it’s taken seriously.
“This isn’t just about planning, it’s about public health, our water supply, and protecting Newtown Nature Reserve. Responsible businesses play by the rules, and this rogue operator should not be allowed to continue.
“I’m grateful for the coordinated efforts of council staff, Southern Water and others.”
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Where we identify breaches of environmental regulations or impacts to the environment, we will take appropriate enforcement action.”
The Inspection Outcome
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Contraventions Schedule
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter