Residents living in sheltered accommodation are being provided with bottled water to drink as a precaution.

Following concerns raised about the quality of the water to his flat by one of the tenants living at Honeycroft Sheltered Housing Scheme in Lawford, tests were carried out by Tendring Hundred Water Services.

The tests revealed a one-off isolated failure which indicated that lead levels were higher than would normally be expected.

The water company contacted Tendring District Council (TDC), which is responsible for the sheltered accommodation, to make it aware of the situation.

Further tests were then carried out in conjunction with the company on the mains water supply and these all proved negative. Tests will be carried out at other properties in the scheme tomorrow.

Steven Henderson, TDC's Portfolio Holder for Housing, said that residents are being kept informed of the situation.

"We want to make it clear that there is no reason for the residents not to drink their tap water but we appreciate that some may have concerns and we want to allay their possible fears," he said.

"For that reason - and purely as a precaution - we are providing 480 two litre bottles of drinking water so that anyone who has any concerns whatsoever can help themselves to the bottles and have total peace of mind."

The water was delivered to the site this afternoon and will be stored where it is readily available to residents.

"The health of our residents is always our first priority and we will be waiting the outcome of the further tests with interest," added Cllr Henderson.

"Dependent on the outcome of tomorrow's tests we will be taking whatever steps are necessary to deal with this issue."

There are 37 people living at Honeycroft and they have a scheme manager looking after the site.

The Council will continue to work in partnership with the water company over this matter and take advice from other experts where it is felt to be necessary.

20/5/09

Related Link: Water Pollution