North Yorkshire Issues Boil Water Alert Over Bacteria Levels

Residents in parts of North Yorkshire, including High Bentham, Low Bentham, and Burton in Lonsdale, have been advised to boil their tap water 'until further notice' after routine tests detected higher than usual levels of coliform bacteria, which can indicate environmental contamination and potential presence of harmful pathogens. Yorkshire Water issued hand-delivered notices urging affected customers to boil water used for drinking, brushing teeth, and preparing uncooked foods, emphasizing that boiling water for a few seconds provides sufficient protection. The company is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency to monitor water quality and resolve the issue, while also delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers. Some residents expressed concern about the impact on health and local businesses, highlighting uncertainty around the seriousness of the contamination. Yorkshire Water reassured the public that the problem is being actively addressed and reminded customers that water can still be used for washing and other non-ingestion purposes. Residents can verify if they are affected through Yorkshire Water's website or customer service.