Residents told to boil tap water due to bacteria

News imageGetty Images A person fills a clear glass with running water from a kitchen tap. One hand holds the glass, the other adjusts the tap. The sink is metallic with visible water splashes.Getty Images
Portsmouth Water said it found possible contamination over the weekend

Dozens of residents have been told to boil tap water before consuming it due to fears of bacterial contamination.

The Boil Water Notice was issued on Sunday for about 70 properties in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.

Portsmouth Water said a routine quality test over the weekend found a "possible presence of bacteria", although it did not specify what type.

The firm said it was delivering bottled water to everyone affected.

News imageA pile of bottled water in plastic wrappers in a street in Lee-on-the-Solent on 19.10.26. A handwritten sign in a plastic sleeve says "Water station, please take".
Bottled water has been left out for residents

The notice affects Martin Close, Bullfinch Court, Magpie Way and Chaffinch Way.

On its website, the firm said it was working to confirm the test result which came from a fire hydrant in Martin Close.

It posted: "You must boil the water from your tap before you drink it, brush your teeth, clean your dishes or even give it to your pets.

"Please continue to boil your tap water for the next two days or until we notify you that our sampling results have come back clear."

In an update on Monday, the firm said: "The additional water samples we took yesterday have been incubated overnight for analysis today.

"We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding."