Tap water safe to drink again two weeks after storm

Residents have been told it is safe to drink tap water again almost two weeks after they were told to boil it.

Welsh Water issued the boil water notice to thousands in Rhondda Cynon Taf after repairs had to be made at a treatment works in the aftermath of Storm Bert.

The water company said its customers could now drink their tap water as usual after tests showed the water quality was safe.

Welsh Water apologised at the time and increased its offer of compensation to affected customers and businesses.

Heavy rain during Storm Bert caused flooding damage at Tynywaun Water Treatment Works above Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The "boil water notice" was issued to about 12,000 Rhondda households as a result.

It applied to residents in Blaenrhondda, Blaencwm, Tynewydd, Treherbert, Treorchy, Cwmparc, Ton Pentre, Gelli, parts of Pentre, Tonypandy and Ystrad.

Three water bottle stations were set up by Welsh Water in the area, vulnerable customers received home deliveries of bottled water, and water was also delivered to hospitals, schools and care homes.

With all customers now able to drink their water as normal, the bottled water stations will be removed on and home deliveries will stop.

Each household impacted by the notice will receive a total goodwill payment of £250 and each business will receive £500.

Welsh Water chief executive Peter Perry said: "We appreciate the significant impact that the notice has had several communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf and for this we are truly sorry.

"We have worked day and night to put things right and we'd like to thank all our customers for their patience and for bearing with us during this time."