NORTHUMBRIAN Water is warning thousands of south Durham residents that their drinking water might be affected by maintenance work over the next few weeks.

The company starts work on mains pipes in Bishop Auckland and Witton Park on Monday and expects to be busy for two months.

Households have been warned in letters from operations director Rob Gilbert to check their water before using it by running the kitchen cold tap.

He said that washing machines and dishwashers should only be used if the water runs clear.

Mr Gilbert also alerted people to the threat from bogus callers. He said: "People who claim to be employed by Northumbrian Water or the water board but who are only interested in stealing from property are known to operate in our supply area.

"During the course of this work, employees from Northumbrian Water and our contractors will not require access to property."

The company's customer contact centre will answer queries on 0845 7171100.