Fill a glass and leave it on the worktop. If the cloudiness clears from the bottom upwards within about a minute, it is tiny air bubbles. That is harmless, and it usually follows a repair or a change in pressure nearby.

If the water is brown, orange or yellow rather than white, it is more likely to be iron lifted off the inside of an old main. It is safe to drink, but do not use the washing machine until it clears. Run the cold kitchen tap slowly for up to 20 minutes.

If it has not cleared after that, or the water tastes or smells wrong, stop drinking it and call us on 0808 157 0123. We will send someone to sample it, usually the same day.