Steam Packet responsible for water contamination

SPC and MUA working together to address issue

It's been revealed the Steam Packet Company was responsible for sea water accidentally pumped into the fresh water supply in Douglas.

Contamination occurred during a routine 'wash down' of the Ben-my-Chree - when a back-up pump introduced harbour sea water into Manx Utilities pipes around North Quay.

Residents and businesses had to avoid using water for cooking and washing for 24 hours after sea water and diesel got into the tap water system.

MUA workers isolated the area and flushed polluted sea water away, but were unclear as to where it had come from.

Steam Packet boss, Mark Woodward, says it was a genuine accident, which wouldn't have happened if there had been a 'non-return' valve in place.  

Both organisations say they're working together to address the problem.

Speaking on Mandate on Tuesday morning, Chair of the MUA Dr Alex Allinson said they need to learn from the incident to ensure it doesn't happen again:-