Boil your tap water alert issued in UK 'until further notice'

People in parts of North have been asked to boil their tap water after routine tests showed higher than usual levels of bacteria. Customers affected by the "boil order" received hand-delivered notices urging them to take the precautionary measure until further notice.

Yorkshire Water said: "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." Drinking water is regularly checked to ensure it meets the UK's high standards.

The testing found higher than usual levels of coliform bacteria - which are commonly found in soil, water and the intestinal tracts of animals.

The notice added: "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.

"We are working closely with the relevant health authorities (UKHSA - UK Health security agency) and taking the necessary precautions which in this case is to boil water before use.

"Boiling water will provide sufficient protection from any bacteria we have found."

People were advised to boil all tap water used for drinking, teeth or preparing food which will be eaten uncooked, such as salads.

Yorkshire Water 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.

"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."

Tap water can still be used for washing, bathing, toilet flushing, washing dishes and washing clothes.

A full list of affected postcodes is available on Yorkshire Water's website.