Warning to boil tap water for drinking in parts of Surrey
Tests have found supplies might be affected by Ecoli bacteria
Last updated 8th Oct 2021
Water supplies in some parts of Surrey could be affected by the Ecoli bacteria.
SES Water has issued a precautionary notice to people in the Oxted and surrounding areas, including customers in Cobham, Leatherhead and Dorking, to boil their tap water for the time being.
It comes after routine testing at Westwood Treatment Works found that tap water quality might be affected.
The company says the advice is for water used for drinking, preparing food and cleaning teeth.
Pets too should only be given boiled water.
It should be kept in the fridge, and should be covered and used within 24 hours.
The company says there is no need to boil water for bathing, washing, or flushing the toilet.
It says investigations are underway and it is not yet known how long the advice will remain in place.
SES Water went on to say the advice will be lifted only when it "can be entirely confident that customers’ water is safe to drink again."
The company is making arrangements for bottled water to be provided to vulnerable groups, such as care homes and schools, as well as customers with specific urgent medical needs.
Ecoli can cause diarrhoea and vomiting as well as stomach cramps.
SES Water’s Wholesale Director Tom Kelly said: “Until we get results that reconfirm Oxted’s water supply is okay to consume, we are asking our customers to boil water for drinking, food preparation and cleaning teeth as a precaution.
"I realise this will be worrying and highly inconvenient to our customers, and I want to apologise and reassure them we are working around the clock to ensure they can use their water supply normally again as quickly as possible.”
Find out if your area is affected here