WATER bosses have apologised after tap flows slowed or stopped completely in parts of Blackburn.

United Utilities investigating the problem, which comes a day after they advised homeowners to boil drinking water, have now discovered its source.

The two incidents are not believed to be linked.

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A spokesman said: "A leak on Whiteburk Drive, affecting customers in BB1, has been spotted and reported to us.

"Our inspector has been to have a look and found this to be the cause for some of you having no water or just a trickle.

"A team of engineers has been requested to attend and should be on site as soon as possible.

"We’re sorry for the trouble this may be causing you and we will get your taps flowing normally again as quickly as we can."

The utilities giant says residents should boil their water for all drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth as a precaution until further notice.

Routine tests at Franklaw water treatment works in Preston detected traces of cryptosporidium and although the traces are low the company is advising customers to boil their water as a precaution.

Martin Padley, chief scientific officer at United Utilities, said: “The advice is being given purely as a precautionary measure."