Tap water is not safe to drink Pic: Olly Clarke

United Utilities warning to boil water before drinking because of cryptosporidium fears is to remain in force until Friday.

The water firm says although the water network has far reduced levels of the bug it cannot lift the boil water notice.

Advertisements

The Franklaw treatment plant, near Preston, was the source of the traces of the diarrhea-inducing bug and the warning to boil water before drinking was issued on Thursday 6 August.

Since then residents in Preston and beyond have been boiling their water or using bottled water for drinking, washing up and cleaning their teeth. Water from the tap is safe to use for washing, doing the laundry and general household chores.

A statement from United Utilities says: “The boiled water notice for parts of Lancashire remains in place today (Wednesday). As yesterday (Tuesday), the situation continues to improve each day, with traces of cryptosporidium reducing.

“We won’t be in a position to lift the boil water notice until we’re confident that supplies across the affected area are back to their usual extremely high standards.

“We know how inconvenient it is and thank you for your support, once again, whilst we work to get back to normal.

“We’re continuing to liaise closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and Public Health England, and will be meeting with these organisations late tomorrow (Thursday) to review latest test results.

“We will be compensating all homes and businesses who have been affected by the boil water notice, and will be contacting you proactively in the coming weeks. We’re looking at how this will work to be as easy as possible for all of our customers and we’ll provide more details in the coming days. Compensation for businesses will be looked at on a case by case basis.

“Flushing all traces of the bug from our extensive water network serving the area is taking time – although levels are reducing each day. Our teams have been out and about testing, and maintaining the network to support the work to return to normal. In addition, over 1,000 of our colleagues have been out across Lancashire to speak to customers and get information to them about the situation.””