28th Aug 2015 12:16
LONDON (Alliance News) - United Utilities PLC late Thursday said customers in some areas can begin using water without having to boil it first following weeks of contamination issues that have hit many customers in Lancashire.
Customers in Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Preston, South Ribble and Wyre were warned to boil all water before consumption in early August after routine tests at the company's Franklaw water treatment works in Preston detected small traces of cryptosporidium - a microscopic bug - in the water.
Those customers have been boiling water for more than three weeks as the company struggles to rid its water supply of the bug, causing it to install several ultra violet rigs which were capable of killing the last remaining traces of the bug, which has been dwindling since it was discovered, according to the company.
On Friday, FTSE 100-listed United Utilities said it has started the process to lift the boil water advice in some specific parts of Lancashire.
"With immediate effect, customers in certain parts of Blackpool, Chorley and Preston can drink from the tap as normal and are no longer required to boil their water. The lifting of the boil water notice only applies in certain postcode areas. For all other customers, the boil water advice remains in place until further notice," it said in a statement.
The decision follows on from the company's efforts to flush the water supply, move water from other parts of the network and installing those UV light rigs.
United Utilities said customers in the areas still being affected by the bug may be able to use water normally "over the coming week," it said.
"We are hoping to lift further areas in the coming week but only when we are completely satisfied that the there is no risk to public health," said Customer Service Director Gary Dixon.
United Utilities said Public Health England has so far confirmed no cases of sickness related to the water supply or the bug.
The company has previously pledged to pay compensation to retail and business customers who have suffered as a result and are being urged to contact the company with details.
United Utilities shares were down 1% to 842.50 pence per share on Friday afternoon.
By Joshua Warner; [email protected]; @JoshAlliance
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