United Utilities is flushing out the water supply in Greater Manchester as water is still running brown, yellow and grey in some areas after problems began on Sunday.
The M28 and M29 postcodes were among the first affected by water discolouration yesterday, including homes in Astley, Tyldesley, Atherton, Boothstown and Worsley.
The problem has now extended into Salford, impacting residents in Swinton, Irlam and Cadishead.
At first, United Utilities confirmed that the brown water was a result of a 'disturbance to the water mains' which has disrupted sediments and minerals from the bottom of pipes.
This was likely a result of repairs or the replacement of a section of water mains, said the water board.
Untied Utilities advised that the water is 'unlikely to be harmful' and that residents should run the water at a 'slight trickle' until it goes clear again.
The board announced that it would be starting to flush out the mains water supply in Greater Manchester yesterday afternoon, in the hopes of clearing the discolouration.
The problem has now been ongoing for more than 24 hours, but United Utilities is assuring residents that they 'do not need to be concerned'.
A spokesperson for United Utilities has told the Manchester Evening News today: “Some residents may have noticed a slight cloudiness or discolouration to their water supply after naturally-occurring sediment was stirred up in the pipes.
"Residents do not need to be concerned and they can help clear any remaining sediment by running the water at a slow trickle.
Some residents have reported that running their water has not helped clear the issue, but United Utilities says that the process of flushing out the mains is working.
"Our engineers are flushing the pipes and monitoring the situation and the issue is clearing," added the spokesperson.
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