SCOTTISH Water is “working around the clock” to restore normal water supply to more than 1000 homes and businesses in Benbecula and the northern part of South Uist.
People affected by the water quality warning were issued with notification of a contaminated fuel leak on Thursday (October 14) morning.
Three schools in Benbecula and South Uist were closed initially, and local health services have been impacted.
Customers in more than 1000 properties served by Benbecula Water Treatment Works have been advised to stop using their tap water for drinking, cooking or washing as a precaution, until further notice.
This includes stopping the use of boiled water.
An update is expected to be issued on Friday (October 15) morning.
The source of the problem was traced to a fuel leak from a generator that provides a back-up power supply for a pumping station at Loch Eilean Iain. The company said it "has been isolated and work has begun to flush the local water network, in parallel with the taking of water samples for analysis at Scottish Water’s specialist laboratories".
Pop-up water tanks continue to be maintained and replenished at:
- Balivanich Community Hall (HS7 5LQ);
- Old Balivanich School (HS7 5LS);
- Sgoil Lionacleit (HS7 5PJ);
- 6 Dun Mor, West Gerinish; (HS8 5RW)
Islanders have been told they should take their own suitable containers to collect the water – and can simply open the tap on the front of the tank, fill their containers and then close the tap. The water taken must be boiled before use and should be used within 48 hours. A bottled water collection point was put into operation at the new Balivanich Primary School and customers were told they will receive a further delivery of bottled water to their doorstep on Thursday evening, with a letter updating them on progress.
A full list of affected postcodes and updates can be found here.
