Isle of Man residents advised to 'boil water before use'

Residents on the Isle of Man have been advised to boil their water before use, after a brief period of bad weather led to water quality dropping below standard.

The Water and Sewerage Authority has advised island residents to boil their water before use over the next two days, saying that extra caution should be used when drinking, preparing food, cleaning teeth and preparing and disinfecting baby equipment. It is not necessary for bathing, washing clothes and washing dishes.

With the vast majority of Britain suffering through abnormal levels of rain this July, the island has struggled to keep water quality levels at a safe level. According to a report from the agency, the exceptional weather has led to higher than normal levels of sediment recorded in water supplies, resulting in a drop in water quality.

They said that for three hours "the quality of water entering supply was lower than normal standards". Areas that have been affected are Douglas, Onchan, Baldrine, Lower Laxey, Crosby, Glen Vine, Santon, Ballasalla, Castletown, Ballabeg, Colby, Arbory, Port Erin and Port St Mary. This means that the best part of the island will need to exercise caution when using tap water.

Those concerned about whether they will be affected by the drop in water quality have been advised to contact the Water and Sewerage Authority’s customer services department on +44-1624 695949. Schools in affected areas will be open as usual this week, with many of them using bottled water instead of tap.

Green Mann Spring is offering to fill people’s sterile water containers if they take them to their bottling plant on Patrick Road in St John’s. This service will be open to residents between the hours of 8am until 8pm.

A spokeman said: "Our water comes from a deep underground source therefore is completely independent from mains water supply. For more info about us please feel free to view our web site www.greenmannspring.com."

Posted by Joseph Hutton