26 June 2008
The water supply in the Northampton area is potentially contaminated, it has been revealed this week. According to Anglian Water, water used by about 108,000 homes in Daventry and Northampton has traces of a parasite called Cryptosporidium in it. Spokesman at the firm Andrew Mackintosh said that if the water is boiled then it ought to be safe, but otherwise it can lead to stomach illness. "We are asking customers to make sure that before they use water for drinking, use with cooking preparation, brushing your teeth, even giving water to your pet - just make sure you boil that water first," he told the BBC. The supplier added that it may well be weeks before the problem is eradicated and the cause of the contamination is found. Bottled water is being handed out to people in the area while they have no direct tap supplies. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that can be especially harmful to those who have limited immune systems and children.