Yorkshire Water: boil notice on drinking water might be understandable - were it not for the company's remarkable knack for failure

That Yorkshire Water was forced to issue a warning to customers yesterday, urging them to boil water heading for homes from the Starbotton reservoir in Upper Wharfedale as a result of an outbreak of potentially harmful bacteria, has caused understandable frustration.

Boil Notice: this latest challenge for Yorkshire Water - a bacteria outbreak in one of its reservoirs - might be forgiveable were it not for what we already know about the way the company is run, and its track record for failure.

More than 100 homes in the Upper Dales are on notice to boil any water intended for drinking ahead of consuming it. Inevitably, this latest interruption to the flow of water to homes will be received by many as more than a mere inconvenience. Under fire for its woeful sewage management record, this latest failure to be able to deliver a basic utility to so many homes will be deemed yet another example of an organisation not fit for purpose.

Those living in the 133 homes around Buckden, including Oughtershaw and Hubberholme, can be forgiven for asking whether or not the ever-increasing bills paid by them for a basic need is money that is being spent wisely.

To his credit, MP for Skipton and Ripon Sir Julian Smith, was quick to tell people that he was in touch with Yorkshire Water regarding the matter, whilst diplomatically, as ever he is, applying pressure to the company to pull its finger out, telling constituents that he would remain in touch with Yorkshire Water until the matter was resolved, adding: ‘which I hope will happen soon.’

In the meantime, those affected should identify themselves to Yorkshire Water immediately to request a supply of bottled drinking water and to seek further guidance and advice on the ongoing quality of the water coming into impacted homes via the tap. Another fine mess.