A farming company based in Ledbury, which also owns the Community Garden in Ross-on-Wye, was successfully prosecuted by Severn Trent recently, after its fruit farm in Gloucestershire caused pink water in June last year.

The contamination from the fruit farm left around 30 homes and a caravan park with pink water after the water supply was contaminated with pink fertilizer used at the farm.

Haygrove Ltd faced two charges at Hereford Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to both after Severn Trent found that its farm in Newent was the source of the contaminated water.

Haygrove Ltd were ordered to pay £6,317.78, including costs. Severn Trent was also paid compensation for the costs relating to the incident. The additional amount ordered totalled £5,390.06, meaning a total £11,707.84 is payable by the fruit farm.

Dan Littlewood, water fittings expert at Severn Trent, said: “It’s vital that companies and individuals understand that if they want to change their private pipework which is connected to our network, that it’s a legal obligation to notify our Water Fittings Department.

“By doing that, we can be sure the connections are safe, and that the pipework is not in breach of any regulations.”

Any company planning to change its internal pipework can let the team know by calling 01332 683711.A spokesperson for Haygrove said: "Further to our comment at the time of the incident in June 2017, Haygrove regrets the accidental mixing of strawberry feed with localised water supply, which was the result of human error. We have cooperated fully with Severn Trent’s investigations, completing the recommended physical changes to the system and re-training of staff immediately. Haygrove continues to be fully committed to the highest environmental and ethical standards and works closely with the local community through the Haygrove Community Garden in Ross”.