Homes given murky water warning

Thousands of customers have had water restored

Thousands of homes in Carlisle reconnected after a burst water main was fixed have been warned their supplies may be discoloured.

The water is safe to use, but householders are being urged to run taps for a few minutes to get rid of a build-up of sediment.

Supplies were disrupted when a 15-inch trunk main in Victoria Place was damaged on Monday by workers.

United Utilities said 6,000 customers were reconnected on Monday evening.

While repairs were being carried out, 12 bowsers were installed throughout the city.

A spokesman for Cumbria Council said: "Tap water may be discoloured due to the natural sediment - which sits in all water pipes - being disturbed.

"Households should flush toilets and run downstairs taps for two or three minutes to see if the water clears. If it does not, then they should try again in an hour or so.

"The discoloured water is safe to use for cooking, washing and making tea or coffee."