Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

5,000 Scottish homes hit with contaminated water

Authorities have warned residents that the water is so contaminated it is not safe to drink even after boiling

Siobhan Fenton
Thursday 18 June 2015 11:28 BST
Comments
Residents have been warned that the water is not safe for use, even after boiling (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Residents have been warned that the water is not safe for use, even after boiling (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) ((Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images))

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Scottish home owners have been warned that their tap water is so contaminated that it is unfit for use, even after boiling.

Scottish Water has urged 5,000 residents in North Lanarkshire not drink, wash or cook with the water.

The water company were alerted to the issue yesterday when residents complained of discoloured, dirty water in the area.

In a statement this morning, the company said: “Scottish Water is advising households and businesses in parts of Carfin, Newarthill, Chapelhall, New Stevenston and Dalziel Park areas of North Lanarkshire not to use their tap water for any purpose other than flushing toilets.”

“The advice follows contact from customers regarding the taste and smell of mains water. Scottish Water has been investigating this matter thoroughly during the night and in the meantime customers in these areas are asked not to use their tap water for any purpose – including cooking, washing or drinking – until further notice.”

They added: “Customers are also asked not to use boiled tap water.”

The company say that “initial investigations suggest an oily substance is in the network”. Investigations into the water contamination are on-going.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in