AS the contaminated-water crisis enters its ninth day, United Utilities said it is replenishing stocks with millions of litres of “clean” water.

The boil-water advice for hundreds of thousands of customers in parts of Lancashire — including Mellor, Mellor Brook, Abbey Village and the whole of the borough of Chorley — remains in place. The water supplier said yesterday that it is hopeful of a resolution soon.

A spokesman said: “The situation continues to improve each day, with traces of cryptosporidium reducing throughout the 2,500 miles of pipework in the affected area.

“We will not be in a position to lift the boil-water notice until we are confident that supplies across the affected area are back to their usual extremely high standards.

“We are liaising closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and Public Health England, and meeting them regularly to review the latest test results.

“We cannot take any risks with public health and, in consultation with the other organisations, we will agree when we can lift the advice to boil water.

“This will only be done when we can be certain there are no longer any traces of cryptosporidium in the water.”

Those in the affected areas are being told to continue to boil their water, as a precaution, for all drinking, food preparation and brushing of teeth. The spokesman said: “Franklaw water-treatment works is continuing to put its usual high-quality water into the local supply.”

United Utilities said it will compensate all homes and businesses that have been affected by the boil-water notice — and once this advice is lifted, customers will be contacted. The firm said it is looking at how it can make the compensation payments as easy as possible.

A customer-information point has been opened at Morrisons, Chorley, for customers to talk to United Utilities representatives. Staff will be available today (7am to 9pm), tomorrow (10am to 4pm) and on Monday (7am to 9pm).

Customers can call 0345 672 3723 or tweet @unitedutilities.