HOUSEHOLDERS have told of their anger over a “slow response” to a contaminated water scare.

Around 6000 residents and businesses in parts of North Lanarkshire were warned not to drink, wash with or even boil water from their taps after reports of murky brown supplies, which smelled of fuel. And locals fear the disruption will continue until the weekend.

Scottish Water bosses confirmed today the number of properties affected has been cut from around 6000 properties to less than 400.

Nine schools remain closed today and homes and businesses in Carfin, Newarthill, Chapelhall, New Stevenston and Dalziel Park were last night advised to use tap water only for flushing toilets.

Scottish Water said initial investigations found there was an “oily substance” in the network.

The firm detected the problem late on Wednesday and worked through the night to deliver bottled water to affected homes.

Employees also set up bottled water distribution points – giving out more than 250,000 litres - which were packed out with people throughout the day.

Homes in in Carfin are still affected.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “Scottish Water has made good progress in tackling this issue and the improving position has meant we have been able to lift the restrictions in most of the affected areas after discussions with the Consultant in Public Health Medicine.

“Customers in most of the areas previously affected can now use their tap water for all normal activities. It is safe to drink.
“In the remaining areas affected, we can assure customers that we are doing everything we can to return supplies to normal as soon as possible.

“If customers do not receive a leaflet through their door, they should only use the water supply to flush toilets. Bottled water will continue to be made available to these customers in the meantime.

“We have a significant team working on this issue and many staff have continued to work through the night to ensure that alternative supplies are made available and that this matter is fully resolved.

“I would like to apologise to customers who have been inconvenienced and we thank those customers who are still affected for their continued understanding and patience.”

Residents said they noticed issues with the water supply on Wednesday afternoon and were concerned that action was not taken sooner.

Janice Clifford, 56, from Carfin, said: “I really don’t think they responded quick enough.

“My daughter phoned up at about 5.30pm because she noticed the water was murky when she was running a bath for her kids and Scottish Water told her it was fine.

“They said just to let the water run until it was clear. Then you get a leaflet in the morning saying: don’t even wash your clothes with it this morning. She could have put the kids in that bath.

“It was definitely a slow response.”

Anne McSorley, 67, also from Carfin said: “I only found out in the morning when my neighbour warned me.

“I’m worried it will carry on for days.”

Michelle Percy, 41, from Ravenscraig, said she was worried about pets. She said: “My dog hasn’t been well over the past few days and I’m worried it’s to do with the water.”

Elizabeth Rice, 45, said: “I’m worried elderly people aren’t getting water so I’ve been taking bottles round to them in their home.”

Debbie Stokoe, 32, from Chapelhall, was collecting bottled water with her family in Carfin.

She said: “I noticed last night when I went to bath the kids that the water was brown. It smelled a bit funny. I wasn’t putting my kids in that.”

Marilyn and Thomas Clark, from Newarthill, said they woke up to bottled water at their door.

Marilyn, 66, said: “My daughter- in-law came in with water and I noticed there was a funny smell, it was like diesel.

“It was 11 at night, we just went to our bed and when we got up in the morning there was a dozen bottles of water at our door.

“We’ve heard it will be off from Saturday. What can you do though?”

Thomas added: “I don’t mind as long as you’re getting water. If they were making you go out and buy water it would make a difference.”

Peter Farrer, chief operating officer for Scottish Water, advised people to go to their doctor if they were concerned about the effects of the contaminated supplies.

He said: “People will be concerned but we’ve not heard of anybody with any illness. If they are concerned in any way they need to go and speak to their GP.”

The schools closed are Taylor High School, Brannock High School, St Teresa’s Primary, Keir Hardie Memorial Primary, Our Lady & St Frances Primary, New Stevenston Primary, St Patrick’s Primary, Chapelhall Primary and St Aloysius Primary.

A spokesman for Scottish Water said they responded "as quickly and efficiently as possible."

At around 9.30am, authorities confirmed safe water supplies had been restored to all homes which had been affected.