Cambridge water incident test results still awaited

Publish date: 2024-08-19

By Martin HeathBBC News, Cambridgeshire

Alamy Red notice telling people not to use their water until further noticeAlamy"Do not use" notices have been delivered to more than 300 houses as a precaution

A company at the centre of concerns about contaminated water has said it was still awaiting test results.

Independent Water Networks (IWN) said on Thursday night that there had been an incident affecting about 320 homes on the Marleigh Development on the edge of Cambridge.

IWN issued "do not use" notices to customers as a precaution.

The firm has been supplying bottled water to affected residents and said it will deliver more if necessary.

Martin Heath/BBC A mixer tap with water flowingMartin Heath/BBCPeople on the Marleigh development have been told not to use water for drinking, food preparation, washing or bathing

IWN has asked customers not to use tap water for drinking, including in pre-made ice cubes, preparing food or brushing teeth.

It should also not be used for rinsing crockery and utensils, preparation of infant formula and for washing and bathing.

The company added that the "do not use" notice remained in force "until further notice".

It has provided more information on the notice online.

Laura Foster/BBC Two people pulling a cart loaded with bottles of waterLaura Foster/BBCIWN has been delivering bottled water to affected residents and said it would supply more if necessary

Bottled water has been delivered to doorsteps in the area and IWN said it was monitoring the number of bottles available and would deliver more if needed.

Google Map showing the development near Fen Ditton and Cambridge City AirportGoogleThe "do not use" notice affects around 320 properties in the Marleigh Development

The incident has had a considerable impact on Marleigh residents - the primary school was closed on Friday - and the community centre has opened its doors to provide assistance.

Peta Mason Grey, who is helping out at the centre, said people were "asking for water and what's happening, and what's wrong with the water, and when is the water coming?

"I've found a lot of different ways to say 'I've no idea'."

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