Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has released a fresh statement after residents across parts of south Wales were advised to boil their water prior to drinking or cooking with it. Chief operating officer Steve Wilson set out the reasons behind the warning, following a fault at the supplier's Maerdy treatment works.
In a video message addressed to customers, Mr Wilson said: "Earlier today [Friday] we identified an issue with the chemical treatment process at our Maerdy water treatment works. As a precaution we immediately stopped water from that site entering the network while we try to resolve this issue safely.
"I want to reassure customers that water supplies will continue and we don't expect any interruption to that service. However, customers in these affected areas are being asked to boil their tap water before drinking, brushing their teeth, preparing food or making ice."
The boil water notice encompasses much of Rhondda Cynon Taf reports Wales Online. Below is a full list of affected areas:
Impacted customers are being notified via text message, though a number have taken to social media to voice their frustration, having consumed tap water before receiving any alert. On Friday evening, the supplier posted on Facebook that all customers affected by the notice could collect bottled water from Llwyn y Forwyn Welsh primary school in Darran Terrace, Ferndale. However, commenters reported arriving at the location only to find no water station, as the address provided was incorrect.
Facebook users informed Welsh Water that the correct location for the station was in fact next to Ferndale Community School. The company responded, stating it would be updating its Facebook post about the address "as quickly as possible".
In his video statement, Mr Cook confirmed that supplies were being delivered to care homes and hospitals. He offered his apologies and expressed gratitude for customers' patience, adding that the notice would be lifted once checks had confirmed the water supply "meets the high standards our customers expect".
