People living in and around Oxted have been advised to boil their water before using it
(Picture: PA Wire)More than four hundred postcodes in Surrey and Kent have been warned their water could be contaminated with E. coli.
Escherichia Coli - E. coli - is a bacteria found in the intestines of animals and humans.
Some strains are harmless while others can cause serious illness including stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. For instance, E. coli O157 can be transferred through raw undercooked meats.
Residents living in Redhill, Oxted, Limpsfield, Godstone and Sevenoaks are thought to be among the four hundred postcodes affected.
The E. coli water contamination at these UK postcodes were found during routine tests, SES Water said.
People living in and around Oxted have been advised to boil their water before using it whether that’s brushing their teeth or preparing food or drinking.
Pet owners are also advised to give their animals boiled tap water.
Investigations are ongoing.
A statement from SES Water said: “We are supporting our most vulnerable customers as a priority.
We're very sorry that our website went down tonight but it is now back up and running and the latest information on the Oxted area boil water notice is available here: https://t.co/JvLlkvbtWP
— SESWater (@SESWater) October 7, 2021
“We are very sorry to everyone who is being affected. Everything possible is being done to do further testing.”
Originally, they issued a statement which said: “The issue was discovered during routine tests, and our teams are working to investigate the problem and restore supplies to their usual high standards.
“While we await further test results which will confirm the scale of any contamination, customers should boil their water – and then let it cool – before using it for drinking, preparing food or cleaning their teeth.
“Pets should also be given boiled tap water. Boiled water can be kept in the fridge, and should be covered and used within 24 hours.”
