SES Water has instructed customers in Oxted in Surrey to boil their water before drinking it or using it to prepare food after routine testing at the Westwood Treatment Works found it may contain E-coli bacteria.
The company said it is not yet known how long the precautionary notice will remain in place as its investigations into the cause are still ongoing.
“Until we get results that reconfirm Oxted’s water supply is okay to consume, we are asking our customers to boil water for drinking, food preparation and cleaning teeth as a precaution,” said Tom Kelly, wholesale director at SES Water.
“I realise this will be worrying and highly inconvenient to our customers, and I want to apologise and reassure them we are working around the clock to ensure they can use their water supply normally again as quickly as possible.”
The company said boiled water can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before use but should be kept covered. It is making arrangements for bottled water to be provided to vulnerable customers including care homes, schools and those with specific urgent medical needs.
It said customers in the affected area should also give boiled water to their pets and asked them to share the advice with neighbours.