Wednesday, September 12, 2007

A Wee Scottish Parasite Problem

OBAN, SCOTLAND — The larvae of midges have made their way from the local water supply here to residential faucets, and customers are concerned. The worm-like creatures, which are up to 6 millimeters in length, look like particles in the drinking water.

Scottish Water identified the particles as midge larvae, noting that an abnormally large number of them clogged one of their filters. This allowed some to enter the supply. The water company called the problem an “aesthetic issue,” saying that the water was safe to drink. It tested customers’ water and supplied them with bottled water as a courtesy.
One Scottish Water customer, Scott Hetherington, told the BBC News that in a glass of water, the larvae are difficult to spot. However, 20 or 30 will cluster together, forming a more easily visible ball.

Ian: I hear there has been an increase in sales of Scotch locally!

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