OWNERS of 39 retirement flats have been forced to take emergency action over a water supply unfit for drinking.

Orbit Housing Association was told by Mid Kent Water to cut off the supply at Cavendish Court after a concerned member of staff sent it a sample.

Mid Kent Water confirmed it contained bacteria and insisted on urgent work to chlorinate the water system.

The Herne Bay Gazette was alerted by a whistleblower working at the flats, who was concerned about the water quality.

According to the source, the drained tank had not been cleaned for a long time, but current legislation demands an inspection at least once a year.

Mid Kent Water confirmed the state of the water it received from Cavendish Court was "very serious".

A spokesman said: "The water supply into the building was fine, but the tank and pipes needed immediate chlorination work."

As a result, emergency work was carried out by government-approved firm Aldous and Stamp on the tank, pipes and taps at Mid Kent Water’s insistence.

A statement from Orbit said it had acted immediately after Mid Kent Water’s intervention. Orbit refused to comment on when the tank had last been cleaned or serviced.

* FULL STORY IN THE HERNE BAY GAZETTE (OCTOBER 19).