(11 September update: the water is now free of contamination)

by St Helena Government writer

Recent water samples from the Rupert’s Valley area have indicated low levels of e-coli contamination.

Water in homes and businesses should be boiled or sterilised before being consumed or used domestically. The same precautionary measures should be taken if intending to use the water supply at the shower and toilet facilities near the beach area.

It is intended that the network will be flushed and further sampling carried out on Monday next week.  An update will be issued once the results are available.

• Information about the e-coli bacteria and its effects was published on St Helena Online when a more-widespread case of contamination was discovered on the island in March 2012. Read it here.