Contact newsdesk on:  info@hebridesnews.co.uk

Classified adverts   I   Jobs                               

Small Ads & Local Services    

 

Hebrides News

 

E.coli discovered in village water supply  

5 Sept 2017

Testing has identified the presence of E.coli in the water supply for the Tolsta district in Lewis.

 

Residents are told to boil tap water before drinking or cooking.

 

Scottish Water said some 218 properties are affected.

 

Bottled water will also be provided to affected customers as a further measure until they receive a letter to say the notice has been lifted.

 

A Scottish Water spokesman said E.coli was found following a routine sample.

 

The bacteria is in a holding tank / reservoir on the supply pipeline to Tolsta.

 

Other villages supplied by Loch Ionadagro are not affected.

 

The spokesman added: “After discussions with NHS Western Isles, a boil notice has been put in place on the 218 properties affected.

 

“This advises that customers should boil their water before drinking or cooking until further notice. The water is safe to use once it has been boiled.”

 

He said the utility company is working closely with NHS Western Isles.

 

He continued: “Our investigations show that the potable water coming from the treatment works and to the other parts of the network is fine and that this is a localised failure associated with this tank.

 

“However, we are taking this precautionary approach to the customers being supplied from it.

 

We are continuing to investigate the cause of this failure, Tolsta service reservoir is being inspected and further sampling and laboratory analysis will be taking place.

 

“We would like thank customers for their understanding and patience and apologise for the inconvenience while this notice is in place.

 

“We will provide further update as soon as further information becomes available.”