SOME homes in Bolton are still without water this morning.

The water supply to thousands of homes in Bolton was cut in the early hours of yesterday because of a technical fault at the Sweetloves water treatment works.

And those whose supply has been restored are being asked to boil it before drinking it or for food preparation.

The problem was detected at the Sweetloves water treatment works in Belmont Road at about 2am on Monday.

About 18,000 Homes in the BL1, 2, 6 and 7 areas of Bolton were without water yesterday.

Several schools across the borough were also forced to close including High Lawn Primary, Church Road Primary and St Peter's Smithill's Dean.

United Utilities yesterday used tankers in a bid to provide a temporary water supply to the affected areas.

A spokesman said the firm had received more than 1,000 calls from Bolton residents concerned and frustrated by the lack of running water.

He also said that any customers forced to purchase bottled water during the shortage can keep their receipts and be reimbursed by United Utilities. 

This includes elderly couple Jack and Audrey Skelton, who live off Blackburn Road.

Mr Skelton, aged 72, said: "It is just the little things, like not being able to shave or make a drink."When you don't have transport and are a bit older, going to the shops is not that simple."We have tried to call United Utilities but have just been getting an automated issue."​ 

United Utilities has asked customers in parts of Bolton to boil their water when it starts flowing again.

Customers can use the water for washing without the need for boiling, but it should be boiled before drinking or using for food preparation.

The issue stemmed from a technical fault at Sweetloves water treatment works which meant that the water could not be disinfected as normal.

Paul Forshaw, area manager for United Utilities, yesterday said: “We’re extremely sorry for the inconvenience that customers in parts of Bolton have experienced today.

“We would ask all customers in the affected areas to please boil their water before drinking it or using it for food preparation – until further notice.

“It will take some time for the water pressure to build back up in the network."

“People have been incredibly patient, and we’d like to thank them for bearing with us.”

United Utilities yesterday made changes to the water supply network so that some parts of Bolton were able to receive their water from a different treatment plant at Wayoh.

'Water on wheels' tankers have also been deployed to pump water into pipes in the area and top up supplies. These measures have helped to reduce the number of homes affected.

The company says it will be considering compensation for those affected.

Updates can be found on the United Utilities website at www.unitedutilities.com/emergencies

The affected areas of Bolton include:

People have been out in force on Twitter to comment on the Bolton water shortage...