Boil notice continues for Stronsay

Scottish Water teams are working to restore normal service to customers in Stronsay, after a ‘boil notice’ was issued on Sunday afternoon.

Action was taken on a precautionary basis after samples from the island’s drinking water network did not meet strict regulatory standards.

While the boil notice is in place, customers are being advised to boil tap water before use for:

• Drinking;
• Cleaning teeth;
• Preparing babies’ food (once cooled) and disinfecting baby feeding equipment;
• Preparing food (Including washing fruit, salads etc and making ice cubes);
• Pet food and drink; and
• Washing open wounds and for first aid.
  
  There is no requirement to boil tap water for:
• Bathing, showering, or washing – except in cases for open wounds;
• Washing dishes – use hot water and dry thoroughly;
• Washing clothes; and
• Toilet flushing.
  
  Information has been delivered door-to-door to just under 200 homes and businesses on the island.  Bottled water has been provided to enable the island’s primary school to remain open; and further supplies of bottled water are scheduled to arrive this evening - to resupply the school and support any customers who are potentially vulnerable while the advice to boil drinking water remains in place.
  
  A spokesperson for Scottish Water said:
   
  “We would like to apologise to customers in Stronsay for the need to put a boil notice in place, while we take further samples to ensure that the island’s drinking water meets all required standards.
   
  “The island’s tap water remains safe to use for drinking and preparing food, so long as it is first boiled and then cooled before use. We recognise the inconvenience this causes; and our focus is on taking and analysing the further samples we need to lift the restriction as soon as we can be confident that it is safe to do so.
  
  “A set of water quality samples was taken early this morning. A further set will leave the island on this afternoon’s flight, with sample analysis expected to take around 24 hours following arrival at our specialist laboratories in Edinburgh.
  
  “Stocks of bottled water on the island have been used to assist the school and customers with particular support needs. Further supplies are on this afternoon’s ferry and will be sustained for as long as required.
  
  “We are grateful for the community’s support and understanding – and would ask that people continue to boil water for use where they can, so that bottled water can be made available for those who need it.”
  
  As soon as the restrictions can be lifted, Scottish Water will issue information via its website, local media and via doorstep distribution of a further notice to island homes and businesses.
  
  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 small 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.