HOUSEHOLDS and businesses near Canonbie are being advised to boil their tap water, with immediate effect, before using it for drinking or cooking.
It as a precaution until further notice after Scottish Water discovered a possible issue with water quality during routine sampling at Canonbie Service Reservoir.
This resulted in drinking water quality for the area falling below its normally high standard.
Teams are on site and working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
The issue is affecting water supply to around 170 mostly rural properties to the north and east of Canonbie on the east side of the River Esk – Canonbie village itself is not impacted.
The boil water notice applies to properties in areas with postcodes:
DG14 0RA; DG14 0RL; DG14 0SG; DG14 0XA; DG14 0RD; DG14 0RN; DG14 0SH; DG14 0XB; DG14 0RE; DG14 0RQ; DG14 0SQ; DG14 0XD; DG14 0RF; DG14 0RW; DG14 0UX; and DG14 0XE.
Bottled water will be delivered to all impacted properties.
And as a precaution, Scottish Water is advising all customers in the affected areas to boil water for: Drinking; cleaning teeth; preparing baby feeds and disinfecting equipment; preparing foods; pet food and drink; and washing open wounds.
Customers can still use water as normal for bathing, showering and washing (except for open wounds); washing dishes (use hot water and dry dishes thoroughly); washing clothes; and toilet flushing.
Water which has been boiled and allowed to cool should be stored in clean containers in a fridge or other cold place.
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience we know this boil water notice will cause for our customers in the affected areas and we are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
If anyone requires further information or assistance they are requested to call Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778 or via their website How to Contact Us – Scottish Water.