영국의 United Utilities의 처리 플랜트에서 발견한 크립토스포리듐(cryptosporidium)의 미세한 흔적으로 30만 가구는 식수를 끓여서 섭취하도록 권고했다. 복통을 일으킬 수 있는 미세한 유해균은 처음으로 프레스턴(Preston) 외부의 Franklaw 수처리 플랜트에서 일상적인 시험을 수행하다가 이번 달 초에 발견되었다. 유틸리티는 랭커셔(Lancashire)의 일부 주민들에게 양치질과 음식 준비 등에도 물을 끓여서 사용하라고 조언했다.

UK utility United Utilities has urged 300,000 households to continue boiling their drinking water due to small traces of cryptosporidium found at a treatment plant. The microscopic bug, which can cause stomach upsets, was initially discovered earlier this month during routine tests at the Franklaw water treatment works outside Preston. Residents in parts of Lancashire were advised by the utility to boil water for drinking, brushing teeth and food preparation.

According to the utility, traces of the bug are continuing to decrease but the boiled water notice will not be lifted until United Utilities said it is “absolutely confident that there are no traces left in the water network”.

Gary Dixon, customer services director, at United Utilities, said: “The picture is improving all the time, with the traces of cryptosporidium continuing to reduce. However, we would ask customers to bear with us, and continue to boil their water for drinking and food preparation, until we are absolutely confident that the water is back to its usual very high standards.”

United Utilities said its scientists are continuing to test water samples, and engineers are flushing water pipes to expedite the process.

[출처 = Water World / 2015년 8월 11일]