Islanders told to boil water after bacteria found

South West Water said low levels of coliform bacteria were found in samples on Tresco

Boil notices have been issued for people living and staying on an island off the coast of Cornwall, after bacteria was found in water supplies.

South West Water (SWW) said the boil water notice had been issued to about 80 properties after samples taken in the New Grimsby area of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly identified "low levels of coliform bacteria".

The company said the cause of the outbreak was being investigated and such notices were normally lifted after two days of clear results.

It is the second issue reported with water systems in the Isles of Scilly this week after a faulty pipe led to supplies running low on the neighbouring island of Bryher.

The NHS said most coliform bacteria live in humans and animals harmlessly, but it can cause infection if it gets into certain parts of the body, such as the bladder or bloodstream.

SWW said coliform bacteria was widely distributed within the environment and can survive and grow in water.

It said any bacteria could be killed by boiling the water.

"We are investigating the cause and have taken actions to resolve the issue such as increasing chlorine levels within permitted limits and flushing the network," a SWW spokesperson added.

"Other parts of the island are being tested, and at this stage, New Grimsby is the only area affected."

The company said those affected are being "updated regularly on the situation".