Northumbrian Water said there was a fault at Broken Scar Treatment Works in the early hours of today (Tuesday, February 1) which meant some water left the site without the correct level of disinfection.

The fault has been fixed but as some water did enter the network people are being encouraged to boil their water as a temporary precaution.

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It affects thousands of people living in some DL1, DL2 and DL3 postcodes.

The following postcodes are affected: DL1 – 1,2,3,4,5;  DL2 – 1,2;  DL3 – 0,6,7,8,9

⚠️We have been made aware of an issue affecting the quality of water supply to large parts of #Darlington.

As a precaution, it is advised to boil any water before drinking it.

Further information will be shared as it becomes available from @NorthumbrianH2O pic.twitter.com/Qnbl4QYw9o

— Kevin Nicholson (@KevinNicholson_) February 1, 2022

Northumbrian Water alerted UK Health Security Agency about the issue today.

Northumbrian Water’s Water Director Keith Haslett said: “We are extremely sorry that this has happened, and we are urging customers in the affected areas of Darlington to take the extra precaution of boiling their water at this time.

“Although the level of risk to customers is low, we’re not taking any risks and are carrying out a full cleansing programme of the affected networks.

“As soon as the fault was detected, we fixed the process and water is now being treated to the correct standards. However, as some of the water that did not receive the full treatment process it may still be in the system, we are urging people to take these precautions.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise any risk and to resolve this matter as soon as possible and will keep customers in the area informed of our progress.”

If people feel unwell or experience symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, they should contact NHS 111. If  symptoms become severe, contact your GP.

A statement on Northumbrian Water’s website said: “The fault at the treatment works has been fixed. However, as some of the water did enter the water network, we are issuing a precautionary temporary “boil water” notice for customers in the area.  

“Water should be brought to the boil then allowed to cool and should be kept covered in the fridge and used within 24 hours. People should not use drinking vending machines.

“It is safe to use central heating, or tap water for washing and bathing, and to flush the toilet as normal.

“People not in the impacted postcodes, and who live in surrounding areas, do not need to boil their water and do not need to take any specific actions.

“The problem at the treatment works was identified and corrected quickly and technicians were able to identify exactly where in our networks this water is being distributed.”

Anyone with questions can call 0345 717 1100 in an emergency.

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