Work to clean contaminated water

Cryptosporidium lodged in the lining of the intestine

Engineers are cleaning contaminated water in Northamptonshire after the source of an outbreak of the cryptosporidium bug was isolated.

About 80 contractors are on site at the Pitsford Reservoir in a round-the-clock operation using ultra-violet light.

More than 100,000 households are still having to boil their water.

Anglian Water advised 250,000 customers in the Northampton and Daventry area to boil tap water after the discovery of the bacteria in supplies on Wednesday.

A spokesman said half of the customers would be able to use tap water as normal by the end of next week, and the remainder within three weeks.

Residents affected have all been urged to boil water for drinking and food preparation.

Schools which closed in the aftermath of the contamination have now reopened.

Ultra-violet light is being used at the treatment works to make the bug harmless.

This work is due to be completed over the weekend and once complete Anglian Water said it would be in a position to start getting newly treated water to customers.

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