Most Severn Trent homes can use water as normal after chlorine scare

Most homes affected by Severn Trent Water's chlorine crisis will be able to use their water as normal later today, the company has said.

However, 241 homes in the region will continue to be left without usable water.

Thousands of homes in Derbyshire and Leicestershire were affected after Severn Trent said a reservoir in the Castle Donington area had become "over-chlorinated".

As a result, customers were told not to use the water in their houses for any purpose.

However, by 3pm on Saturday, most of the 3,700 customers who woke up in the morning without water should be able to use their taps again.

In a statement, Severn Water said: "We're pleased to say we've made very good progress with flushing our network and that after rigorous testing and sampling, the majority of our customers will be able to use their water as normal from 3pm today (Saturday).

"From this time, you will need to run your cold tap at full flow for five minutes."

Customers who still do not have access to safe water will have to get bottled water from their local supermarket.

Severn Trent gave 48,000 bottles in total to a local Sainsbury's and Tesco overnight and on Saturday morning.

The 241 homes which continue to be affected are located in the DE73 and DE74 postcode areas.

Severn Trent said it would continue to provide regular updates.