WATER supply has now been restored to all homes in Bolton, United Utilities has said.

While the technical fault has now been resolved, the advice remains for all those who have been affected to boil the water before using it for drinking or food preparation.

United Utilities has now said it will automatically pay compensation to customers affected by the shortage.

The firm's policy is to refund customers who have gone without water for 12 hours a sum of £25 plus an extra £10 for every further 12 waterless hours.

United Utilities will automatically work out who is owed cash and refund accounts directly.

The firm has also said anyone who has been forced to buy bottled water will be refunded.

The water supply was cut-off to eighteen thousand homes after the plant developed a fault with how it disenfects water at about midnight on Monday.

A spokesman said: "The technical fault at Sweetloves Water Treatment Works has now been rectified and your water should be starting to flow normally again in BL1, BL2, BL6 and BL7, Bolton.

"Due to the large area affected it is going to take some time for full pressure to be restored to all customers.

"We are advising customers in BL1 2, BL1 3, BL1 4, BL1 5, BL1 6, BL1 7, BL1 8, BL2 2, BL2 3, BL2 4, BL2 5, BL2 6, BL6 4, BL7 0, BL7 8, and BL7 9, Bolton to continue boiling their water, before drinking it, until further notice. It is fine to use for bathing and toilets and poses no health risk."

Customers experiencing poor water pressure and discoloured water should visit: www.unitedutilities.com