Residents in parts of North Yorkshire have been told it is now safe to use their tap water again, after an urgent health warning was lifted. The notice had affected homes in High Bentham, Low Bentham and Burton in Lonsdale.
The warning was issued after routine checks found high levels of coliform bacteria in the water supply. These bacteria are a sign possible contamination has occurred and can include harmful organisms linked to faecal matter. As a precaution, households were advised to boil water before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.
Yorkshire Water later confirmed that further testing showed the water had returned to normal safety standards. The company said the supply now meets its usual quality levels and the boil notice could be withdrawn.
Health experts explained that while most coliform bacteria do not cause serious illness in healthy adults, some strains can lead to stomach infections and, in rare cases, severe complications in vulnerable people. Residents who feel unwell have been advised to inform their doctor about the recent warning.
Specialists also warned that similar incidents could happen elsewhere in the UK. Ageing water infrastructure, farming runoff, and unusual weather conditions can all increase the risk of contamination. Experts stress that monitoring systems are designed to detect problems early, but continued investment is needed to protect drinking water supplies nationwide.