BRITS have been urged to boil their tap water after tests uncovered high levels of harmful bacteria in the water supply.
Water people intend to drink, clean their or wash salad with should be boiled before use, Water warned.
The company said it had issued a for its customers in High Bentham, Low Bentham and in Lonsdale following the discovery of coliform during routine testing.
The germs widely found in the environment, particularly in water and soil.
“They are a commonly used indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water,”;; according to a report on water quality and management.
While coliform bacteria themselves are generally harmless, their presence in drinking water can mean there’s a risk of other, more harmful germs contaminating the water too.
This is because coliform bugs – such as and Enterococci – are often found in the digestive tracts of animals and humans, suggesting faecal contamination and the presence of other disease-causing germs.
Water said: “We regularly check our drinking water to make sure it meets our high standards and during routine tests we’ve found the water supply in High Bentham, Low Bentham and Burton in Lonsdale didn’t meet our usual standards.
“While we investigate this, we’re asking all customers to boil their water as a precautionary measure to keep everyone safe. ”;;
The company explained that coliform bacteria had been found in water samples gathered during routine testing.
“Whilst our treatment processes take out any impurities in the water to make sure it’s of the highest quality, the we have found in these samples is higher than we would normally see so as a precaution we are asking that customers boil their water before use until further notice. 
“Our water quality team will continue to take samples to monitor the quality of the water in the area whilst we work hard to resolve the issues. ”;;
Yorkshire Water said it was “working closely”;; with the UK Security Agency (UKHSA) on the matter.
Customers living in the affected postcodes received hand delivered notices about the boil order.
The company provided a full list of affected postcodes on their website.
People in these areas who become unwell were urged to tell their doctor about the boil order if they seek medical help.
As of 5:30pm on April 13, the order was still in place “until further notice”;;.
“We are working to resolve the issue and our most recent tests show that the situation has improved,”;; the water provider said.
“We will be in touch to let you know when everything is back to normal.”;;
Sun Health has contacted Yorkshire Water for further updates.
But the company assured customers that “boiling your water before consuming it is sufficient protection”;; against the bacteria.
“Studies undertaken by the has concluded that boiling the water is sufficient to inactivate pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa,”;; it said.
“Tap water should be boiled for a few seconds and stored in clean, covered containers in a cool place for a maximum of 24 hours.”;;
This applies to water for drinking, cleaning teeth or preparing foods people intend to eat raw, like salads or fruit.
“Water for babies’ feeds should be boiled – and allowed to cool – immediately before use,”;; Yorkshire Water added.
It noted that water filters won’t help get rid of bacteria – instead they “may trap contamination”;;.
It urged customers not to use water filters in place of boiling.
Yorkshire Water noted that it’s still safe to use tap water for washing and showering, as well as washing clothes and dishes.
The company said it given some customers with medical needs or who may find boiling water difficult with bottled water.
For customers that may find it difficult to boil their water, we have delivered bottled water to three nearby locations. These are available while stocks last.
- Lair Gill Car Park, Butts Lane, High Bentham, LA2 7JZ
- Playing fields, Wenning Ave, High Bentham, LA2 7LJ
- Opposite Recreation Ground, Bentham Moor Rd, Burton In Lonsdale, LA6 3FT
