WATER WARNING: 17,000 people in Saddleworth and Tameside told to BOIL water before using
A WATER warning has been issued to thousands of residents across Tameside, Saddleworth and Greenfield, and should only be consumed after boiling, United Utilities has said.
Boil water before drinking it, united utilities tells Saddleworth and Tameside residents
About 17,000 properties in the Greater Manchester area are affected.
The warning comes after a fault at Buckton Castle treatment works.
Water should be boiled for drinking, food preparation and brushing of teeth.
But a spokesperson for United Utilities said the advice was a "precaution".
A statement from United Utilities said: "As a precaution, we are today advising customers in parts of Tameside, Saddleworth and Greenfield to boil their drinking water until further notice.
"There are 17,000 properties affected, covering the areas of Stalybridge, Dukinfield, Hyde, Saddleworth, Greenfield and Ashton-Under-Lyne.
Residents are told that until further notice they should boil their drinking water
"For customers affected in those areas, your tap water should be boiled for drinking, food preparation and brushing of teeth. You can continue to use tap water for general domestic purposes such as bathing and flushing toilets.
There are 17,000 properties affected
"If your water looks dirty or cloudy, we would recommend to wait until the water has cleared before washing clothes.
"We have issued this advice as a result of an overnight technical fault on our equipment at Buckton Castle water treatment works, which supplies the area. That fault has now been rectified, but some water, not treated to the usual high standards, has entered the local pipe network.
"Our sincere apologies to everyone who will be affected by this news and we hope to be able to lift the boil water advice as soon as possible."
The water should not be used for drinking, food preparation or brushing of teeth
The water is still okay to use for showers, bathing and flushing toilets
United Utilities is currently rushing to vulnerable customers to give support, but asked customers to tell their friends, family and neighbours in the area.
Compensation is being offered to customers, with payments made automatically within five working days, the statement added.