United Utilities have issued an apology after Cumbrians were left with discoloured water this week. 

There were several reports of people in the Carlisle and Brampton areas turning on the taps to find brown or yellow water. 

In the early hours of July 3, United Utilities suggested that solving the problem was their top priority, but affected customers need not worry. 

They wrote: "We’re sorry if you’re still experiencing discoloured water. 

"Our team are in the area and are doing all they can to get your water supply back to normal as quickly as possible.

"We know it doesn’t look nice but don’t worry, it’s unlikely to be harmful and will settle down again with time. You can help by letting your cold water tap run at a slight trickle until your water runs clear again.

"Thanks for your patience whilst we get this sorted, please be assured it’s our top priority to get things back to normal."

Later in the morning, with calls flooding in from disgruntled customers, United Utilities reassured locals that they would be flushing the water mains in the area, to help to resolve the discolouration to the water supply. 

The water was running brown for much of WednesdayThe water was running brown for much of Wednesday (Image: Social Media)

It was suggested that the discolouration happened because of a disturbance in the water mains in the Carlisle and Brampton areas.

Historical sediments that have built up over time in the water pipe have been disturbed causing discolouration to the water. This normally happens when a repair has been carried out or a section of the water main has been replaced.

United Utilities suggested that customers should run the cold water tap to help clear the discolouration, which caused concern for those on a water meter. However, in an email sent out, the company reassured customers that running the tap for up to an hour would only cost five pence.

Other advice included, not running the hot water tap, and not using dishwashers, washing machines or any other appliances which uses your hot water supply.

Local businesses were also affected by the issue, local cafe's forced to only sell bottled water with tap water left undrinkable.