RESIDENTS across Bolton are still being told to boil their water before drinking it as the borough’s water problems stretch into a fourth day.

The problem at Sweetloves Water Treatment Works — which developed on Monday morning — has been resolved, but United Utilities wants people in the affected post codes of BL1, 2, 6 and 7 postcodes to keep boiling their water before consumption as a precaution against “bacteriological problems.”

It hopes to be able to lift the boiling advice and give the all clear later today.

A spokesman said: “Thank you again to all customers who we are asking to still boil their water this morning “As the water issue was a problem at the works, we need to make sure that the water is as high quality as you would expect right through the network before we remove the boil water advice.

“The boil water continues to be in place as a precaution to protect against issues such as bacteriological problems (little germs that could appear in water). This is what we mean when we say the water could be contaminated.”

The company said water testing has been ongoing all week and it is hopeful of an all clear later on today.

The spokesman added: “We will write out by letter to confirm to all those who received the boil water card that the advice is lifted but as that will take a day to arrive, you will find out on our webpage http://www.unitedutilities.com/emergencies-incidents.aspx first.

We will be grateful for your support to spread the message once we confirm.