UNITED Utilities bosses and scientists could make the decision to lift its ‘boil water’ alert for at least some parts of Lancashire affected by a microscopic bug as early as tomorrow.

Experts will review progress on eliminating the cryptosporidium parasite which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea from mains supplies today and tomorrow.

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A decision could then be made to lift the alert in at least some parts of the affected area which includes households and businesses in Mellor, Mellor Brook, Abbey Village and the borough of Chorley.

Overall more than 300,000 promises in Lancashire have been hit, mainly in Preston Blackpool and the Fylde.

The crisis is now in its 19th day with homes and businesses hard hit and United Utilities facing compensation claims that have been estimated as running into between £10 million and £15 million.

Ultra-violet light rigs have been deployed to clear the mains supply system of the bug, believed to have originated at the Franklaw treatment centre North of Preston.

A United Utilities spokesman said at the weekend: “Our experts will review the evidence to see how the latest work to eliminate the bug from the mains supply is going early in the week.

“Subject to that review, we will make a decision as to whether it is safe to lift the alert in all or part of the affected network.

“That decision could come on Tuesday but we cannot prejudge the review of the scientific evidence.

“The first priority remains public safety.

“We will be looking at whether we are able to lift the advice in specific areas.

“That would mean we don’t have to wait for one big lift at the end.”

The first three special ultra-violet rigs were installed at Warbreck near Blackpool on Friday to eliminate lingering bugs in the supply network.

Five more will go into service in the next few days.

Ultra-violet rays are effective in killing off the cryptosporidium bug and the eight rigs, brought in from other parts of the UK and on the continent, are being deployed at strategic points where the parasite is proving hard to wipe out.

United Utilities has come under fire for the length of time it is taking to clean out the water supply with Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans leading calls for full and speedy compensation to households and businesses affected.