Yorkshire Water chief executive Nicola Shaw has ordered staff to send a pallet of water to Darley today (October 30) as homes continue to be told not to drink tap water.

Thirty-four homes still rely on bottled water, almost three weeks after problems began.

Ms Shaw said tests had established “elevated physiochemical anomalies in one area” and each property issued Do Not Drink advice had received a hand-delivered letter explaining the situation and visits from Yorkshire Water staff.

In a letter to Sir Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, whose constituency includes the affected area, she said a pallet of bottled water had been sent to Trafalgar Square in Darley, and added:

“I have also arranged for a further pallet to be delivered today for those who need it; it should be onsite by early evening.”

Those under the Do Not Drink advice are urged not to use tap water to cook or prepare food, clean their teeth or give to their pets, as well as drink it. Boiling tap water will not purify it.

Ms Shaw said 22 of the 34 properties have been connected to a temporary alternative water supply.

She added: “We’ve begun tracing the source of the contamination and are taking several proactive steps, including flushing the network, testing private supplies to rule out any contribution to the reading, and fitting non-return valves where needed.”

Ms Shaw said Yorkshire Water was “working hard" to connect the remaining properties but it would not lift the Do Not Drink advice “until we have two consecutive days of clear sample results confirming the water meets our quality standards”.

RAF Menwith Hill, which is operated by the United States Air Force, is among the 34 properties affected.

Ms Shaw said: “This base is not a Yorkshire Water customer and has its own supply of water, but we are working with the base to ensure that they also have the water they need.”

Boiling water

Besides the homes covered by the Do Not Drink advice, properties in the postcodes HG3 2R, HG3 2Q, HG3 2J, and HG3 2L continue to be urged to boil their water before use.

Boil water advice was first issued on October 10 when coliforms were detected. Coliforms are bacteria that do not pose a direct safety risk but can indicate a potential issue if not addressed.

Ms Shaw said:

“I appreciate that this matter has been ongoing for some time and I apologise for this. Unfortunately, identifying the source of coliforms is rarely straightforward and can take time, which I completely understand is frustrating for you and your constituents.

Darley resident Phil Rolls told the Stray Ferret the situation was inconvenient but he had received bottled water and “there are far worse things in the world”.

But he said other residents, including those with animals, were finding it more difficult to cope.

Sir Julian said, "I welcome this update from Yorkshire Water and the progress being made to support affected residents. I hope their work will soon allow the Boil and Do Not Drink orders to be lifted for the affected homes and properties. I will continue to monitor the situation closely."