Water warning: schools to drink bottled water

If you live in the east and south of the Island, you’re being urged to boil your water this morning (Monday).

The sheer volume of rain over the last few days means extra levels of sediment are in the water and that’s affecting the quality of supplies.

The advice, if you're using water for drinking, food preparation and cleaning your teeth over the next 48 hours, boil it first.

It is not necessary for bathing, washing clothes and washing dishes.

Water Authority chief executive Peter Winstanley says although purely an advisory measure, it is recommended customers err on the side of caution.

The list of areas affected are:
Douglas, Onchan, Baldrine, Lower Laxey, Crosby, Marown, Glen Vine, Santon, Ballasalla, Castletown, Ballabeg, Colby, Arbory, Port Erin and Port St Mary.

Customers who have concerns are advised to contact the Water & Sewerage Authority’s customer services department - 695949.

Schools will be open as normal today.

The Department of Education and Children has confirmed bottled water will be distributed to all affected schools this morning.