Tap water restored to 80,000 homes after parasite alert Published duration 27 August 2015

image caption The warning was issued after traces of the bug were found at Franklaw water treatment works near Preston

Tap water in 80,000 homes in Lancashire has been declared safe to drink, after the discovery of a parasite at a treatment works left residents boiling water for three weeks.

The microbial parasite cryptosporidium was found on 6 August.

Water was treated with ultraviolet light to kill the bug.

United Utilities said it had assessed hundreds of test results after discussions with Public Health England.

Gary Dixon, customer services director for United Utilities, said: "We hope to get the warning lifted for the rest of our customers by the end of the coming week."

If people have been using their water regularly there was no need to flush their system, he added.

'Boil water advice'

A statement on the company website said: "We are now able to lift the boil water advice in a number of postcode areas.

"For those still subject to the boil water advice, please continue to boil your water until advised otherwise.

"We will be keeping you informed and this page will be updated on a regular basis."

It advised people to check for their postcode on the website or ring the company helpline on 0800 9127241.