E.coli has been detected in groundwater in North Yorkshire, prompting Yorkshire Water to act.

The bacteria was detected within the raw groundwater at East Ness, a hamlet eight miles north west of Malton.

Yorkshire Water runs a water treatment site in East Ness and said the type of bacteria was detected before treatment.

The company said there were no detections of E.coli in treated water.

A spokesperson said the firm, which supplies 5.19 million people, said it has worked with the drinking water watchdog to “make the necessary asset improvements to ensure robust disinfection continues at all affected sites”.

“We have strengthened both regional and site-specific monitoring, and each legal instrument includes a bespoke plan agreed with the DWI [Drinking Water Inspectorate] to make sure

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