An examination of the 7 mile long conduit confirmed that there had been ingress because of damage to the crown of the conduit. It is believed that the damage was caused when an outfall was being laid from a septic tank attached to a property built in the last few years. The damage has been repaired and the conduit has been sealed. Water Service also proposes to bypass the suspect section of the conduit with part of the new replacement pipeline which is currently being constructed at a cost of 2.5m. The bypass should be completed towards the end of next week.
Water sampling is ongoing within the distribution system.
Water Service has followed risk assessment protocols based on national guidelines and the associated testing regimes are fully in line with those required by regulations in England and Wales and by Direction in Scotland. These arrangements have been agreed with the Drinking Water Inspector and the Chief Medical Officer. However, I am unable to give a categorical guarantee that the outbreak will not spread elsewhere. Cryptosporidiosis is ubiquitous in the community, is carried by many animals and some humans and can be spread, for example, through contact with animals. What I can say is that Water Service will do all in its power to prevent the spread of the disease through the public water supply.