United Utilities give update on tap water discolouration issue in Fleetwood after huge fire in Lord Street
United Utilities said the water discolouration experienced by their customers in the town this morning was “nothing to worry about” and was a consquence of fire hydrants being used to tackle the huge blaze in Lord Street last night.
Water bosses have issued an update to residents in Fleetwood after many recieved a message about water discolouration.
United Utilities said the water discolouration experienced by their customers in the town this morning was “nothing to worry about” and was a consquence of fire hydrants being used to tackle the huge blaze in Lord Street last night.
Shortly after 5pm yesterday, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the former Ex-Catalogue Outlet in Lord Street to reports of a fire.
At it’s height eight fire crews from across the Fylde coast were on the scene trying to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.
The crews worked until 3am this morning to extinguish the flames.
Approximately 20 firefighters from stations across the Fylde coast including Fleetwood, Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes were called to the scene to try and get the flames under control.
This morning Lancashire Police said a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, both from Fleetwood. have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
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A United Utilities spokesman said the discolouration was caused by the change of pressure in the network by fire crews accessing the fire hydrants. The pressure change has stirred up naturally occurring minerals in the water.
She said: “Sometimes the changes in water flow and pressure can disturb naturally occurring sediments in the pipe network, and this is what caused the discolouration.
“This will settle down and in the meantime we advise customers to run their cold water taps at a trickle to help draw through any remaining sediment.
“Further information is available at: Discoloured water | United Utilities. We’re sorry for any inconvenience."
Many households have received email and text alerts this morning which read: “Some customers in your area are experiencing discoloured water, if you are you can follow the advice below.
“Discolouration can range from a light yellow colour, to dark brown and is caused by historical sediments that have built up over time, being disturbed in our pipes.
“How to clear the problem - Allow the first incoming cold water tap (usually in the kitchen) to run at a trickle until it clears - this may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, so why not collect this water and use it to water your plants?
“If you're on a meter, don't worry, that's less than 5 pence.
“While your water is discoloured, we advise you don't run the hot water tap, use dishwashers, washing machines, or any other appliances which uses hot water.”