Wessex Water says that customers in a small part of south Somerset who have been boiling their tap water should have supply returned to normal by the weekend - the local reservoir where the problem was identified has now been drained, cleaned and refilled.
The water issued a “boil water” notice to up to 250 properties in the Bratton Seymour, Shepton Montague, Yarlington, and Maperton areas as a precautionary measure on Tuesday after it found the water supply was not of its usual standard.
Customers have been asked to boil their tap water before using it for drinking, washing food, cooking, cleaning teeth or for medical purposes. Water directly from the tap can still be used for washing, bathing and flushing the toilet.
Wessex Water staff have been providing regular updates and bottled water for every home affected. The problem was at the local reservoir, which has now been drained, cleaned and refilled.
Nigel Martin, water supply general manager, said:
“We are taking further water quality tests in the area – purely as a precaution – and we hope to remove the ‘boil water’ notice on Friday. It’s important that customers continue to boil water until they receive the “all clear” notice.”
“The problem has been identified at the reservoir, which has been drained, cleaned and refilled. We’ll immediately let customers know when their water supply is back to normal.”
“I would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Wessex Water takes around 250,000 drinking water tests every year and sophisticated laboratory technology is used to analyse samples to continuously monitor water quality. It was through one of these routine tests that showed water quality was not of its usual standard.
At no point was the parasite cryptosporidium found in water samples, the issue that affected thousands of United Utilities customers in the Lancashire area last month.
Wessex Water said it would continue to update customers and provide additional bottled water if required.
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