7th Aug 2015 13:38
LONDON (Alliance News) - United Utilities PLC Friday warned customers in Lancashire in the North West of the UK to continue to boil their water as a "precaution" until some time next week after tests at one of its water treatment plants detected small traces of a microscopic bug in the water.
The warning follows news on Thursday that routine tests at Franklaw water treatment works in Preston had detected small traces of cryptosporidium - a microscopic bug - in the water, causing the company to urge customers to boil water before consumption.
Customers in Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Preston, South Ribble and Wyre are being advised to boil water for all drinking, food preparation and brushing of teeth and said they should continue to do so "throughout the weekend and into early next week at least".
"Samples of water from the treatment works and the wider network show that the traces of cryptosporidium are continuing to reduce. However, testing will continue and the boiled water notice will not be lifted until United Utilities is absolutely satisfied that the water is back to the usual extremely high standards," said the company.
Investigations have begun to find out how the bug found its way into water at the treatment works.
"United Utilities is putting cards through letterboxes of affected homes from today, as a supplement to efforts to communicate the advice via social media, newspapers, radio and TV," the company added.
United Utilities shares were trading down 1.4% to 885.71 pence per share on Friday afternoon, one of the worst performers on the FTSE 100.
By Joshua Warner; [email protected]; @JoshAlliance
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