Westhoughton discoloured water after United Utilities works

People living around Church Street and Peel Street reported yellow and brown water coming through taps following work linked to a new pipe installation.

One resident said she had to go to work “minging” after being unable to wash before and after a night shift.

United Utilities said it’s a result of works in the area.

Discoloured water in a bath in Westhougthon. (Image: Kayley Charnley)

Lynne Duckworth, a resident, said: “They are providing us with cold water but beyond that the water comes through brown and we can’t have a shower or anything normal.

“I had to go to work minging. I have come home from work all night and now I cannot have a shower again.

“They do not seem interested. I am absolutely fuming.”

Residents began raising concerns earlier this week after pictures and reports of yellow and brown water appeared on local community pages.

Cllr Gillian Wroe, Liberal Democrats member for Daisy Hill ward on Westhoughton Town Council, said the issue appeared to begin around Sunday.

Cllr Wroe said: “Someone rang United Utilities and I believe it is something to do with a new pipe they were putting in.

A burst appears to have happened on Church Street. (Image: ScenicQuince3485)

“I did spot it on Monday. Somebody put on a community page there is a burst on the A6 and they were ringing United Utilities.

“You can shower in it but do not drink it.”

United Utilities said the water was safe despite the discolouration, which it said was likely caused by sediment being disturbed in older pipework.

The company said the issue affected customers around the Peel Street area of Church Street and has now reached the “complete” stage after repairs.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Some customers in Westhoughton may have noticed they had discoloured water over the last few days. Sometimes the changes in water flow and pressure can disturb naturally-occurring sediments in the pipe network, and this is what caused the discolouration.

Peel Street area. (Image: Google)

“We expect that this issue has been resolved for the majority of customers but if anyone is still experiencing discoloured water, we advise them to run their cold water taps at a trickle to help draw through any remaining sediment.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

Work is now underway to reinstate the road after the issue was resolved on Wednesday afternoon.

United Utilities said: “We’ve now fixed the problem on the water main and your taps should be flowing again. We will fill in the hole, remove the barriers and get the road back to normal as quickly as we can over the next few days.”