Latest news with #boilnotice
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Islanders told to boil water after bacteria found
Boil notices have been issued for people living and staying on an island off the coast of Cornwall, after bacteria was found in water supplies. South West Water (SWW) said the boil water notice had been issued to about 80 properties after samples taken in the New Grimsby area of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly identified "low levels of coliform bacteria". The company said the cause of the outbreak was being investigated and such notices were normally lifted after two days of clear results. It is the second issue reported with water systems in the Isles of Scilly this week after a faulty pipe led to supplies running low on the neighbouring island of Bryher. The water company said residents could continue to wash and shower "as normal", but should boil water used for drinking, brushing teeth and food preparation. It said bottled water was being supplied to Tresco for vulnerable customers on it priority services register. The NHS said most coliform bacteria live in humans and animals harmlessly, but it can cause infection if it gets into certain parts of the body, such as the bladder or bloodstream. SWW said coliform bacteria was widely distributed within the environment and can survive and grow in water. It said any bacteria could be killed by boiling the water. More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall "We are investigating the cause and have taken actions to resolve the issue such as increasing chlorine levels within permitted limits and flushing the network," a SWW spokesperson added. "Other parts of the island are being tested, and at this stage, New Grimsby is the only area affected." The company said those affected are being "updated regularly on the situation". Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ More on this story Water supplies return to island as pipe fixed Island told to conserve water amid pipework fault South West Water boss Susan Davy to retire Related internet links South West Water
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Tresco islanders told to boil water after bacteria found
Boil notices have been issued for people living and staying on an island off the coast of Cornwall, after bacteria was found in water West Water (SWW) said the boil water notice had been issued to about 80 properties after samples taken in the New Grimsby area of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly identified "low levels of coliform bacteria".The company said the cause of the outbreak was being investigated and such notices were normally lifted after two days of clear is the second issue reported with water systems in the Isles of Scilly this week after a faulty pipe led to supplies running low on the neighbouring island of Bryher. The NHS said most coliform bacteria live in humans and animals harmlessly, but it can cause infection if it gets into certain parts of the body, such as the bladder or said coliform bacteria was widely distributed within the environment and can survive and grow in said any bacteria could be killed by boiling the water. "We are investigating the cause and have taken actions to resolve the issue such as increasing chlorine levels within permitted limits and flushing the network," a SWW spokesperson added."Other parts of the island are being tested, and at this stage, New Grimsby is the only area affected."the company said those affected are being "updated regularly on the situation".
RNZ News
15-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Councillor ‘risking health' by ignoring boil water notice
Southland district councillor Derek Chamberlain says there is nothing wrong with the water coming out of his tap. Photo: LDR/supplied The country's water regulator says a Southland councillor who refuses to boil his tap water could be risking his health. However, councillor Derek Chamberlain is standing by his decision to ignore a local boil water notice despite criticism from Taumata Arowai. Chamberlain made headlines this week for saying he would sooner drink from his compromised Eastern Bush/Otahu Flat network than have Auckland water. The district councillor lives on one of 54 properties in rural Southland which has been under a boil notice since July 2024. Taumata Arowai head of operations Steve Taylor said Chamberlain's decision to ignore the notice was not safe, even though he was using a filter. There were a range of factors affecting a filter's ability to remove microorganisms including type, pore size, and whether it was used in conjunction with other treatments like boiling or UV, Taylor said. "Your councillor may feel that their water is fine to drink, but they may be risking their health." A boil notice has been in place for Eastern Bush/Otahu Flat, north of Tūātapere, since July 2024. Photo: Laura Smith / LDR One of the main issues affecting the Eastern Bush/Otahu Flat supply was turbidity - or cloudiness - which became worse when rain dirtied the Wairaki River. Taylor said high turbidity impacted treatment and indicated a higher risk of protozoa, which the supply did not have a barrier to protect against. Even if the water was visibly clear, it could still contain pathogens which could lead to serious illness, he warned. In response, Chamberlain issued the regulator a challenge "If they're that concerned about it, why don't they come down and do something about it?" he said. "My argument's at Wellington. I mean it's alright for them sitting up there bloody making all the rules, someone's got to pay for it." The boil notice was issued in July 2024 and could be in place until as late as 2027 when the treatment plant is upgraded. On Monday, the council issued a reminder to residents that boiling was still necessary. The notice is the only active one across the entire region. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
