A water company has responded after a number of people in Darwen complained that their water tasted "mouldy" and "earthy".

There were reports of foul tasting water across the town, including around Brussels Road, Cavendish Street, the Lynwood area and beyond.

One person said their water “tastes like death” and others claimed it tasted “mouldy” and “like soil”.

United Utilities has been looking into the reports and wants to reassure customers that it is a “naturally occurring” issue that is not harmful.

The water company says it is not linked to the recent heavy rain and flooding across the county, which has seen the team called out to numerous incidents across the north west.

Customers can use their water as normal adding that they are “working hard” to fix the unpleasant taste.

A spokesperson for the company said: “A small number of customers in Darwen have reported noticing a particular taste to their drinking water.

“We are aware of this which is a naturally occurring issue. It is not harmful and customers can continue to use their water as normal.

“However, we do understand some people may find the taste or smell unpleasant and we are working hard to fix this.”

According to the United Utilities website, if your water tastes or smells earthy or musty, this could be caused by algae bacteria or other organic matter in the river or reservoir where your water comes from. 

The most likely cause of chemical, antiseptic/TCP, rubber or plastic tastes or smells to your drinking water is the rubber and plastic materials used in domestic appliances.