THE head of water quality for Essex & Suffolk Water has reassured residents in Stanford-le-Hope that there are no problems with the domestic water supply to the town.

Thurrock Nub News reported on the subject on 20 April when residents raised concerns on social media and the water company said then that it had checked without finding a problem – and would continue to monitor the supply.

However, complaints continued to come in, prompting a further investigation – but again the company has come up with nothing untoward.

Top boss Alan Brown has given a personal assurance, (and says they will check again). He told Thurrock Nub News: "We have received six direct reports of issues with the water in Stanford-le-Hope from customers since 14 April.

"We have carried out multiple, repeated, checks of the water supplies and also carried out a review of the water treatment works that supplies the area.

"We have found no evidence that there are any issues with the quality of the water being provided to Stanford-le-Hope.

"The results show that the water being supplied to the area is of good quality, safe to drink and there is nothing in the supplies that would cause skin irritation.

Third sampling proposed

"We can also confirm that there has been no change to where supply has come from or changes to the blend in the water. And that there has also been no change to chlorine levels used in the treatment process of this water.

"Our results have been checked by our team of water quality scientists and we repeated our investigations to satisfy both ourselves and our customers that the water supply complies with the strict regulations required of us by the DWI and OFWAT.

"We are confident that customers in the area can continue to use their water as normal.

"If any customers are experiencing a new skin condition, they should seek the advice of their GP.

"We have proposed a third sampling visit to offer further reassurance to our customers and we have also actively notified the DWI of this matter and are keeping them informed."

A guide to water quality and problems – check out Essex and Suffolk Water's website.