HUNDREDS of people in the Pensilva, Minions, Darite, Higher Tremarcoombe and Common Moor areas were told to boil their drinking water this week.

South West Water issued hand-delivered notices on Tuesday afternoon, and also sent text or voice messages, advising customers in 1,500 homes that they should not drink water from their taps without boiling it first and then letting it cool. This also extended to the preparation of food, such as washing salad, and to cleaning teeth.

A helpline was set up to address customers' concerns.

The situation arose because of a problem with the pumps from a service reservoir.

Water supplies to many homes in the affected areas were cut off at around 10pm on Monday. Most homes were reconnected to the water supply on Tuesday but the water was reported to be slow running and dirty.

The landlady at the Victoria Inn in Pensilva, Vicky Wadge, said the dirty water meant she couldn't make ice or use the glass washing machine.

'This is affecting us,' she said, 'and, like other people in the village, I think South West Water is slow in informing everyone about what is happening.'

South West Water was anticipating it would be able to lift the 'boil water notice' yesterday.

Under the company's Customer Promise scheme, all those who were affected by the water problem will receive a cheque payment of £15 within 20 working days after the notice is withdrawn.