Businesses and householders are calling for compensation as the alert over the contamination of Glasgow's water supply enters its fifth day.

Tens of thousands of people in parts of the city are still having to boil their water because of higher than normal levels of the cryptosporidium parasite in supplies.

The results of further tests on the tap water are expected on Wednesday.

We must make sure that steps are put in place to get this put right sooner rather than later

Douglas Miller Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

More than 140,000 people in Glasgow and Clydebank are still being advised to boil their water for preparing food, bathing babies and brushing teeth.

Health staff have predicted that the scare, which came after the parasite was found in supplies from Mugdock Reservoir in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, could be over by the weekend.

Dr Jim McMenamin, chairman of the incident control team, said they were "encouraged" that no cases of illness had yet been reported.

However, Douglas Miller of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce told BBC Radio Scotland that hotel, catering and food manufacturing businesses were suffering.

"I don't know of any businesses that have had to close, but I do know that businesses have had to cut production and alter the ways in which food preparation is carried out.

Heavy rain

"That is slowing them down and hitting their profits," he said.

Businesses are also afraid that there could be a repeat of the alert if there is more heavy rain in weeks to come.

"That is a great concern and we must make sure that steps are put in place to get this put right sooner rather than later."

More than 140,000 people are affected

He said the public was becoming very concerned about the situation.

"I know householders are beginning to say that they want compensation and businesses are saying they are wanting compensation," said Mr Miller.

"Scottish Water have failed so far to come forward with any form of compensation or any form of indication that they are going to make compensation.

"I think the first thing we are doing today is asking them to come clean and tell us what they are going to do."

He said the Chamber of Commerce would gather the views of the businesses community then request a meeting with Scottish Water to "take matters further".

Continuing scare

"There is a cost involved in this and Scottish Water can't get away with it," he added.

Those pressing for compensation include the Holiday Inn hotel in Bothwell Street.

General manager Alastair Bruce estimated that the incident had already cost the business about �1,500.

"The problem is that we don't know when the scare is going to end, so this could continue into next week.

The issue of compensation is a real one, it is something that does have to be considered

Allan Sutherland Water industry commissioner

"I would estimate that it is going to cost between �4,000 and �4,500.

"I think that the very least we would be looking for is compensation in those terms," he said.

Water industry commissioner Allan Sutherland said there were a number of events which could trigger compensation payments.

However, he said that the "significant inconvenience" experienced in Glasgow was not akin to the interruption of supplies which was required to meet one of the tests.

And he warned that if compensation was payable it would in effect be paid for by other customers - either through increased charges or further delays in much-needed investment.

Highest priority

"The issue of compensation is a real one, it is something that does have to be considered," he said.

"But at this point I would say that those customers who have particular special needs need to be dealt with as the highest priority.

"We need to focus on getting things sorted out. Once that has been done there can be discussions about compensation."

Scottish Water has set up a helpline on 0845 600 88 55. Anyone concerned about their health should contact NHS Scotland on 0800 22 44 88.

Full details of streets affected are on the Scottish Water website.