THE quality of drinking water in Bolton is the best it has ever been, according to new figures.

In the North-west, 99.8 per cent of supplies tested met the standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Dr John Gray, from the watchdog, said the town had also remained free of cryptosporidium.

Over the years, the gastrointestinal illness has left 67 residents suffering from stomach pains and diarrhoea. It was caused by contamination of the Thirlmere Reservoir in the Lake District.

But new monitoring equipment at Lostock water treatment works is testing the water successfully, according to Dr Gray.

He said: "The new monitoring system seems to be working. It is down to all the hard work of United Utilities that there has been no cryptosporidium. The quality of water is just getting better and better each year."

Cryptosporidium outbreaks are said to occur during periods of heavy rainfall.

The bug can prove fatal in rare cases where immune systems are severely deficient, especially in the very old.

It is spread by contact with infected animals or from person-to-person, and occasionally through food and milk. Water is also a carrier.

Dr Gray added: "There are now new regulations to monitor the water and they seem to be working. It is good news for residents."