A 47-year-old man from South London has criticized his housing association after becoming ill from ‘water poisoning’, claiming he hasn’t washed for a year. The man, known as Eric, suffered from a contaminated water supply for several years, leading to health issues. He notified his housing provider, Clarion, about his concerns and was eventually hospitalized in early 2020. Tests confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that can be harmful to people with weakened immune systems, in his water supply. Despite this, Eric believes his water is still contaminated and has resorted to heating bottled water for daily use, claiming he has not washed for a year.
In a ruling from July 2021, the Housing Ombudsman found in favor of Eric and ordered Clarion to pay compensation for their delayed testing and false conclusions. However, Eric continued to face health issues even after temporary measures were taken to address the contamination. He was moved to a hotel in Croydon for a year after tests showed the presence of the harmful bacteria. Despite undergoing further tests and treatments, Eric still felt unwell and suffered from skin issues. Clarion maintained that the water in Eric’s flat was now safe, with the installation of filters and plans for a full bathroom and kitchen refit with a permanent solution.
Eric’s ongoing health concerns and the delays in resolving the water contamination issue took a toll on his mental well-being. He expressed feeling trapped and helpless, with his body deteriorating from the effects of the contaminated water. Despite receiving some compensation from Clarion for their delayed response, Eric continued to experience health problems and was dissatisfied with the housing association’s communication and actions. He sought reassurance that the bacteria had been completely eradicated, requesting updated testing certificates to confirm the water safety.
Clarion defended their actions, stating that they had taken steps to ensure Eric’s water was safe, including multiple tests, repairs to plumbing, and the installation of temporary water filters. They also offered Eric a transfer to a new property, which he declined due to concerns about accessibility and location. Despite Clarion’s efforts to address the water contamination issue, Eric remained skeptical and stressed about the potential health risks. The housing association maintained that the installation of filters and continued monitoring had made the water safe for use, but Eric remained cautious and wary of the situation.
