REPORTS of smelly and foul tasting tap drinking water are being investigated.

Thames Water, which insists there is no danger to health, has launched the probe following reports of problems with domestic supplies.

Miriam Ni-Udaigh, of Roma Road, in Walthamstow, is only drinking bottled water after discovering something wrong with her tap water on Monday.

Ms Ni-Udaigh, a communications company manager said: “As soon as I turned on the tap the smell was foul and the taste was terrible.

“It smells like something that has gone off. When I showered this morning, the smell was there too.

“It is really unpleasant, but I was really worried about the health implications of drinking contaminated water.

"I don't think it is acceptable. I don't think they would drink the water when you have to hold your nose to stop the smell.”

Following Ms Ni-Udaigh's complaint, Thames Water promised to collect a water sample from her home.

Jerry White, head of operational control for Thames Water, said: “Some of our customers in north east London have reported an unusual taste and smell in their water, which seems to come and go at random.

“We are really sorry about this. We’re working to sort it out as quickly as possible.

"We’ve spoken to the Health Protection Unit about this and we would like to reassure customers that this water poses no public health risk. It is safe to drink."

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