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100,000 homes affected by water bug

25/06/2008

Over 100,000 people in Northamptonshire have been instructed to boil their tap water before drinking it after a bug contaminated supplies.

Tests of local supplies in Northampton, Daventry and surrounding villages found traces of cryptosporidium in the water.

The bug causes stomach upsets when contracted.

Anglian Water claimed it was trying to find the source of the parasite but warned it may take some time due to the large area affected.

The BBC quotes an Anglican spokesman as saying: "Due to the size of the area affected, bottled water will only be delivered to special needs customers on Anglian Water's WaterCare register as soon as possible.

"The company apologises for the inconvenience this will cause, but stresses that the health and safety of its customers must come first."

The water company has sent out vans with loudhailers around Northamptonshire to warn residents not to drink their water.

Residents with worries regarding their health have been advised to contact their local doctor or hospital.