Thousands of households in rural North Yorkshire are set to enjoy clear tapwater for the first time, thanks to an improvement scheme.

Yorkshire Water aims to tackle problems of discolouration in the water supply to 4,000 homes in Boroughbridge and surrounding villages.

These include Aldborough, Marton-cum-Grafton, Kirby Hill, Roecliffe, Whixley, Green Hammerton, Nun Monkton, Kirk Hammerton, Dunsforth, Hopperton, Milby, Great Ouseburn and Lower Ouseburn.

The company apologised for problems experienced by householders. "However, I also want to reassure them that Yorkshire Water is committed to putting things right," said director of operations John Layfield.

"We are taking a good look at the water supply system which feeds this area and have already drawn up a series of proposals which will go some way towards resolving the situation. Nevertheless we envisage that still more work will be needed in the future."

Next week's work will involve cleaning the mains which carry water to Marton water treatment works.

Mr Layfield said Yorkshire Water planned to do everything possible to minimise disruption, but said some short interruptions to supplies might be necessary.

Customers would be told about these in advance.

Interruptions to supplies could cause discolouration for a short time afterwards and customers were advised to check their supplies before operating washing machines or dishwashers.

During the following week, starting on March 29, more work will be done on the water supply system at Great Ouseburn and Little Ouseburn.

Yorkshire Water is continuing to investigate the hardness of the water in the area.

If customers have any inquiries about the planned work or require further information they should contact the Yorkshire Water helpline on 0845 1242424.

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