UU confirmed that the general water quality in the affected areas is usually good as it is fed by local reservoirs which will help the situation.  UU are conducting constant testing of the water quality, though at this moment in time they do not have the results from the samples.  UU have confirmed that there is low to moderate risk to public health and that there is no risk of E.coli.  Where possible UU have taken customers off the supply, but the zoning of their network has made this difficult and they will not be able to add secondary disinfecting further down the lines.  There are still up to 17,000 properties effected across Oldham and Tameside.  As mentioned earlier the effected ares in Oldham are on the OL3 post codes which is Saddleworth with Greenfield being the closest affected area.

UU confirmed that there are no zones which they have no water or reduced pressure at this time.  A Boil Water notice will be in place  for the next 2-3 days in these areas.  Before the notice can be lifted 2 negative readings need to be recorded from the samples 12 hours apart.  UU confirmed that the properties closest to the Buckton Castle plant will be clearer much sooner but they will wait until all areas are clear before the notice is lifted.  UU will be flushing hydrants in order to speed up the process.

http://www.unitedutilities.com/emergencies.aspx – United Utilities updates