Oil storage and leaks

If you have an oil storage tank, it’s important you know how to store your heating oil safely and what to do if you spot a leak.

The impact of oil leaks

Oil leaks can seriously impact homeowners and their neighbours, while risking damage to the local environment and nearby water sources.

Leaked oil can end up in drains and leach into the soil, leading to the pollution of streams, rivers and other waterbodies. This risk extends to our reservoirs that supply water to thousands of homes and businesses.

Proper checks and maintenance of heating oil tanks can help ensure they do not pose a risk to water supplies.

How to store oil safely

You can store oil safely by:

  • keeping your oil tank and pipework in good condition and regularly checking for rust and leaks
  • getting your oil tank inspected annually by a qualified engineer and keeping up-to-date safety certificates
  • keeping your tank locked and oil secure from theft
  • locating your tank as far away from water sources (eg, ditches, soakaways, groundwater, streams, rivers, lakes) as possible to minimise contamination risk in the event of a leak
  • ensuring your tank location complies with fire regulations
  • checking that your home/business insurance company is aware that you have an oil tank and your policy covers all possible risks related to the oil tank
  • keeping a drawing to hand that details the location of all pipework that feeds the oil tank
  • having a spill kit at the ready to take immediate emergency action to contain a leak if necessary (these are available from most fuel suppliers)
  • being prepared and having an emergency plan in place.

Who to contact about an oil leak

If you spot an oil leak or suspect a tank is leaking, please contact us so that we can investigate.

You should also contact:

Request more advice

For more advice about oil storage and leaks, please email heating.oil@wessexwater.co.uk or write to:

Domestic Oil Storage Campaign
Wessex Water
The Admiralty
Mill Street
Corfe Mullen
Dorset
BH21 3RQ