Boil water alert in UK as people told to take action 'until further notice'

Residents in areas of have been advised to boil their tap water due to higher-than-expected bacteria levels detected in routine tests. hand-delivered notices to affected customers, instructing them to boil their water until further notice.

According to Yorkshire Water: "Some routine tests have shown that the water quality in High Bentham, Low Bentham and Burton in Lonsdale doesn't meet our usual high standards, which is why we're asking customers in the above postcodes to boil their water until further notice." The UK regularly monitors drinking water quality to ensure it meets stringent standards.

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Higher-than-normal levels of coliform bacteria, commonly found in soil, water, and animal intestinal tracts, were detected during testing.

Yorkshire Water stated: "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."

The company is collaborating with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and taking necessary precautions, including boiling water before use. "Boiling water will provide sufficient protection from any bacteria we have found."

Residents are advised to boil all tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or preparing uncooked foods, such as salads, , reports .

Yorkshire Water has issued a statement advising: "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."

They also added: "Water for babies' feeds should be boiled (and allowed to cool) immediately before use. Boiling is sufficient protection, there is no need to use bottled water."

The company reassured residents that tap water can still be used for washing, bathing, toilet flushing, washing dishes, and washing clothes.

For those concerned about whether their area is affected, Yorkshire Water directs customers to check the full list of impacted postcodes on their website.