Can I drink tap water?
Only once drinking water has been boiled and allowed to cool should it be used for drinking, preparing food or cleaning teeth. This advice also applies to pets.
How can I use my tap water whilst the boil notice is in place?
Use normal water for the following activities:
1) Washing, showering and bathing
2) Toilet Flushing
3) Washing machines
4) Dish washers
Use Boiled water for the following activities:
1) Drinking
2) Making ice cubes
3) Washing vegetables and salads
4) Brushing teeth
5) Washing up
How long should I have to boil water for?
It is sufficient to bring the water to boil and then allow it to cool. Prolonged boiling is not necessary. Using an electirc kettle is fine, although a microwave oven could be used, as long as it brings water to the boil.
Can I use the water from my hot tap for drinking?
No. You should never drink from the hot tap. The kitchen cold tap is usually the only tap directly connected to the mains supply and is the only one that should normally be used for drinking.
How long can I store boiled water for?
The bolied water must be kept refrigerated and should be discarded after 24 hours.
Can I use water filters or water purification tablets instead of boiling?
Domestic filters should not be relied upon unless they are designed for the purpose of removing micro-organisms. (i.e. not just designed to improve palatability). Please refer to the manufacturers brochure if in doubt.
Water purification tablets are not recommended as an alternative to boiling.
What should I do if I become ill?
This infection will usually clear up by itself in a healthy person, although this may take several days. You should telephone NHS Direct or consult your GP if the diarrhoea is unduly prolonged or if you are at all concerned or if the affected person is very young, elderly or frail. It is generally recommended to increase your fluid intake if you have diarrhea. NHS Direct on 0845 4647
Should drinks vending machines be used?
Use of drinks dispensers is not recommened unless the water is heated to at least 72oC.
What areas are curently affected?
Northampton, Collingtree, Grange Park, Great Houghton, Hardingstone, Boughton, Brixworth, Chapel Brampton, Church Brampton, Cottisbrooke, Hannington, Harleston, Holcot, Moulton, Old, Overstone, Pitsford, Scaldwell, Sywell, Wootton, Walgrave, Ashby St Ledger, Badby, Braunston, Bugbrooke, Byfield, Canons Ashby, Catsby, Charwelton, Daventry, Dodford, Everdon, Fatheringstone, Fawsby, Flore, Harpole, Hellidon, Kislingbury, Milton Malsor, Nether Heyford, Newnham, Norton, Preston Capes, Rothersthorpe, Staverton, Stowe Nine Churches, Upper Heyford, Upton, Weedon Bec, Welton, Woodford-cum-Mebris and Duston.
What are the authorities doing about this?
Anglian Water is working with Local Authorities and Health Protection Unit to provide advice.
Alternative water supplies are currently being investigated for the affected areas but due to the size of the area affected bottled water will only be delivered to special needs customers on Anglian Water's 'Watercare' register.
Customers with worries about their health should contact their GP.
How will I know what is going on?
Customers in the affected areas will receive further advice and should listen to regular updates which will be given through local media and on the Anglian water website. http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/
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