15th August 2008
Langholm Boil Water Advice Lifted

The advice issued to households and businesses in the Old Town area of Langholm to boil their water before use has been lifted with immediate effect.

Following consultation between NHS Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Water, they decided this afternoon that the advice to boil water should end as there is now no longer a risk to public health from the water supply.

The advice to boil water was issued after elevated levels of the cryptosporidium parasite were found in the water supply serving Langholm, Old Town.

Samples taken from the water supply have given the all-clear and the advice to boil water has ended as there is now no longer a risk to public health from the water supply. The decision to lift the notice means that everyone can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth. 

Rob Mustard, Regional Manager, Scottish Water said: “Water in the Old Town area of Langholm is now safe to drink and use for cooking without having to be boiled first.

“We are aware of the inconvenience the advice to boil water has caused to homes and businesses, but believe it was correct that proper measures were put in place and advice given to protect public health.

“Only the Old Town area of Langholm was affected - 201 properties in total. The recent heavy rain is most likely to have affected the quality of the springs used for the supply. The public water supply to the rest of the town was not affected.”

Scottish Water is advising all customers of the all clear through all available means, including leaflets to homes and the media.