News
If we've asked you to boil your water, this is everything you need to know
We’re really sorry to say that our routine tests have shown that the water quality in your area may not be to the normal highest standards. As a precaution we’re advising you to boil your water before drinking it, preparing food or brushing your teeth until further notice.
How do I know if I'm impacted?
An official notice will be delivered to any properties that are affected.
What do I need to do?
Boil water before use until further notice
Don’t drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth without boiling and cooling it first
Don’t use tap water when cooking, preparing food or making ice without boiling and cooling it first
Don’t let your pets/animals drink tap water without boiling and cooling it first
You can use tap water for bathing and showering (please be careful not to swallow any water)
You can still flush your toilet
Below you'll find all of the information that you need, and you can use our handy postcode checker here to see if you're affected. There are also some questions and answers that will hopefully give you everything you need.
We’ve taken this decision while we carry out more tests after recent samples showed the quality of your water may not be up to our normal high standards.
We’d also advise that you boil (and then cool) your water before giving it to your domestic pets BUT this isn’t necessary for livestock which can continue to use their existing water sources as they are used to drinking untreated water in their natural environment. You can still use water as normal for things like having a bath, flushing toilets and washing clothes, but please be careful to not get it in your mouth.
If you think your neighbours might be affected but you’re worried that they might not know then it’d be fantastic if you could nip in and just check on them. We’re doing the same by contacting vulnerable customers who have registered with us and are offering them any specialist support they need.
Our phones lines are likely to be very busy so it might be hard to get through but we’ll keep our website updated with the very latest information.
Again, we’re really sorry for the inconvenience but, until we’re sure the water is back to its normal high quality, we need everyone to boil their water before drinking it.
Our teams are out and about, testing the water to find out more and we will keep customers updated when we know more. As soon as we know everything is fine, we’ll let you know and lift the boil notice.
Once again, we’d like to say how sorry we are and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we work to get everything back to normal as soon as possible.
There is a risk that your water quality doesn’t meet the standards we expect for drinking water. We are therefore advising our customers in the affected area of not to drink or consume their tap water without it being boiled and cooled first. The water should be boiled for all drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth until further notice.
Our tests have raised the possibility that your water quality doesn’t meet the normal standards we expect for drinking water. As a precaution, we are advising all customers in the affected area not to drink or consume their tap water without it being boiled and cooled first. The water should be boiled for all drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth until further notice.
To get the water quality back to normal, we’ve been adding disinfectant to the water supply network near to your home. You may notice the smell or taste of that disinfectant. To resolve the issue, simply run your cold water tap for a while and that should flush the system through.
Bring tap water to the boil and allow it to cool before using it for drinking, for any food preparation, teeth cleaning or ice making. Store boiled water in a clean covered container in the fridge.
As soon as we're confident that the water quality is back to normal and safe to drink without boiling, we will let you know directly.
You may well experience no symptoms but if you feel unwell and are worried, contact your GP and tell them about our advice to boil the water.
Yes – providing they are washed in HOT water containing DETERGENT and thoroughly dried
Yes – but use the hot wash cycle.
Yes – but as a precaution we recommend using a hot wash cycle.
Yes – but avoid taking any water in by mouth. Be especially careful when bathing young children and babies to make sure they don't take in any water.
No, not unless the water is boiled and allowed to cool first. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
We recommend that boiled water that has been cooled is used, to be on the safe side. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
Yes – if water in the mixture is heated to boiling.
Yes – if the food is well cooked in an oven or microwave until piping (steaming) hot (70⁰C core temperature).
No – if using cold mixes such as icing, mayonnaise, etc. or washing vegetables which will not be cooked before eating. In these cases the water must be boiled first. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge
Boil and cool water before rinsing salads, fruit or vegetables to be eaten uncooked or any food which does not receive a thorough cooking. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
No. It must be boiled and allowed to cool first. If you are using a microwave steriliser, where the water reaches boiling point, this should be fine. If you are using sterilising tablets, make sure the water you’re using is boiled and cooled first. Then use it with the tablets in the normal way. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
Water can be used for bathing and showering but take care when bathing young children and babies to avoid them drinking the bath water.
No. It must be boiled and allowed to cool first. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
No – not unless the water has been boiled first. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
If you are worried contact your GP and tell them about our advice to boil the water.
It’s unlikely, but if in doubt boil and cool the water first. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
No – treat the water in the usual way to remove chlorine.
This is highly unlikely but please seek veterinary advice if you are worried.
Yes you can use and flush the toilet as normal.