Concerned residents have been speaking to representatives from a water company about the changes to their supply.

A drop-in session, organised by United Utilities, took place in Egremont after people complained about the change which saw soft and hard water mixed.

Dozens of people attended the event.

Helen Apps, the company's external affairs manager, said there had been a lot of questions asked by people including concerns over popping kettles,

She said: "We've been able to reassure a lot of people. There's nothing in the water at all that would cause any health concerns.

"It's been really good to talk to people about the changes."

Don Messenger, of Hensingham, attended the session as he has noticed a big difference with the taste of the water.

He said: "United Utilities should of been more open with us before they made any changes.

"It will take five years to get a new pipeline from Thirlmere so why couldn't they wait until then?

"I first noticed the change when the kettle started popping and then the coffee didn't taste right.

"I now drink a lot of bottled water, but why should I have to pay for bottled water?"

Betsy Menzies, of Egremont, said: "I'm okay with the water but I have noticed a difference.

"I need more washing up liquid when I'm doing the dishes and the kettle is very noisy.

"I just came to find out what happens next with our water supply.

"United Utilities' mistake was not telling people that there was going to be a change."

Tony Sharp, of Braystones, said: "I've got no sense of taste but I can tell the water is horrible. I wear false teeth and the plate is horrible – it has a coating on.

"They should have told us beforehand. The session hasn't really answered my questions."

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie was at the drop-in and is urging people to turn out to today's session at The Beacon in Whitehaven, which starts at 1pm..

He said: "It's clear both the change in water quality and United Utilities' lack of communication around the change have caused great concern to residents, and they deserve an explanation."