Muddy tap water shock for street's residents

TROUBLED WATERS: Frank O'Cain and the dirty water that came out of his taps.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Dirty water caused quite a stir in Raglan St, Masterton, yesterday.

Resident Frank O'Cain was contacted by a neighbour, who was about to bathe his grandchildren, and warned that the water was discoloured.

Mr O'Cain said he was frustrated the council had failed to advise residents their water would be affected by work in the area.

"They didn't give us any warning," he said. "Why didn't they drop a note in?"

His wife, Margaret, had put a load of white delicates on to wash, after finishing her voluntary shift at the hospital, and discovered they had been stained.

"They aren't white any more, they are dirty brown, they are horrible," Mrs O'Cain said.

A Masterton District Council spokesman said the council had been replacing pipes as part of a renewal programme.

"It appears that the work has dislodged some sediment, which is now flushed through. Obviously, it's very unfortunate and we apologise to the residents that have been affected."

The spokesman said the problem had been resolved and there had been no risk to health at any stage.