Discoloured water could soon be pouring out of taps across north Cumbria.

That is the warning from United Utilities, as it begins the process of rerouting water through different pipes.

The network supplies water to homes in Carlisle and surrounding villages and, in a bid to allay residents' fears, the utility company has written to all homes to warn them of potential disruption.

This month United Utilities will be changing the direction of water flow within several of their large water pipes.

This will enable them to empty the pipes ready for the next stage of cleaning and refurbishment work.

The team will gradually transfer water along different pipes over a four to five week period to reduce the possibility of disturbing mineral deposits.

The project involves laying a new section of pipe, which runs from Wetheral Pastures to Park Road.

A spokesman said: "We have a working area in the field next to the M6 at Park Road whilst we lay a brand new section of pipe. We expect to be completed by the end of November."

Work has been ongoing at Wetheral Pastures completing some pipe connections.

Two-way traffic lights are in place near the Cumwhinton Water Treatment Works and will be in place until November.

The letter to residents says: "Over time natural minerals build up inside the water pipes which can sometimes cause tap water to appear discoloured.

"Our team are currently carrying out a four-year programme of work to clean and refurbish our water pipes across Carlisle which will improve the quality of water for our customers.

"Our team will be gradually transferring water flows into different pipes to allow this work to take place.

"We're making flow changes over a four to five week period to minimise the disturbance on the water pipes."

United Utilities say customers may notice that their water is "temporarily discoloured, cloudy or reduced in pressure" for a short period while it moves water through the network of pipes.

The letter goes on to say: "Although we understand discoloured water may cause concern, any change will be temporary and is unlikely to be harmful."

Some of the pipes which supply water to almost 43,000 properties in the Carlisle area are more than 90-years-old.

In February 2016, United Utilities started a £14m investment programme to clean and refurbish over 30km of water pipes to improve the quality of water for customers in the Carlisle area.

The work will take about four years to complete and will be split across nine projects.