30/8/2008

Welsh Water has warned 45,000 people in north Wales to boil their drinking water because of an increase of bacteria in reservoirs supplying the area.

Areas affected are Bangor, Menai Bridge and Llanfairpwll and the village of Capel Curig.

Any tap water used for drinking or food preparation should be boiled until further notice. The company said the warning is likely to remain operative for at least two weeks while investigations take place.

The water comes from the Mynydd Llandegai water treatment works, which takes supplies from the Marchlyn Bach and Ffynnon Lligwy reservoirs.

The bacteria is cryptosporidium, a parasite found in humans and animals which can cause temporary diarrhoeal illness. Its eggs are killed by boiling water.

The National Public Health Service for Wales has asked local GPs to report any cases of diarrhoea and to take samples to be tested for gastrointestinal infections such as cryptosporidium.

It advises people to maintain good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap and warm water if they have vomiting and diarrhoea or are looking after someone who is ill.

People with gastro-enteritis are advised not to go to school or work until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours and not to visit patients in hospitals or long term care.

Areas affected:

Bangor
Bangor side of Felinheli (Marina)
Beaumaris
Bethesda
Cwm y Glo
Gaerwen
Gallt y Foel
Gerlan
Llanddaniel
Llanddeiniolen
Llandegai
Llandegfan
Llanfaes
Llanfair PG
Llangoed
Menai bridge
Mynydd Llandygai
Pentir
Rachub
Rhiwlas
Sling
Talybont
Tan y Foel
Tregarth

Customers who want more information can call 0800 052 0130.