'All clear’ for Stronsay drinking water

Scottish Water is advising residents in Stronsay that they can return to using their tap water as normal.

A ‘boil notice’ was issued to just under 200 island homes and businesses after two routine water samples from the island’s water network did not meet strict quality standards.  

Scottish Water’s team has been working, in close consultation with NHS Orkney, since the precautionary restriction came into effect on Sunday, to obtain and analyse further water samples. Investigations on site, and the further sample results now obtained, provide confidence that there is no risk to public health.  

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said:

“We would like to apologise to customers in Stronsay whose water supply has been affected by this issue since the weekend; and thank them for their patience while our team has been working to enable normal service to be resumed.   

“We appreciate that advice to boil water causes inconvenience, especially at this time of year. It is important that every precaution is taken to protect public health, but customers can now be confident that they can use their water as normal again.”

The lifting of the ‘boil water’ advice means that water from the tap can now be used again for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.  Scottish Water’s team is delivering further notices to all homes and businesses served by Stronsay’s public water network to advise that the restrictions have been lifted with immediate effect. Any customers needing further assistance can contact Scottish Water on 0800 077 8778.

Scottish Water maintains a Priority Services Register which is used to provide extra support to customers who may be vulnerable if their normal water supply is disrupted, including the offer of an annual delivery of a quantity of bottled water to store at home for use in emergencies. Customers can find out more by visiting https://psrscotland.com or calling Scottish Water on 0800 077 8778.