THAMES Water has urged residents not to drink "discoloured" water from their taps, despite saying it poses no health risk.

Residents in Loudwater, Wooburn Green and Beaconsfield have been affected by the problem which has seen excess levels of iron accumulate in the new water supply.

Around 257 households have called the water comp any complaining about the problem, but Thames Water has said the levels are still "well below" those considered to be a health hazard by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A spokesman said: "The levels of iron measured are slightly in excess of recommended limits, which are based on the discolouration and taste of water, rather than a hazard to health.

"These levels are well below those considered a health hazard by the World Health Organisation, but we do not recommend drinking the discoloured water because the taste may be impaired."

The majority of samples taken from the areas indicate that 300 to 500 micrograms per litre of iron are present which is above the 200 recommended level for taste and discolouration.

However this is well below the 2,000 microgram level set by the WHO for health risks.

Thames Water says the problem is down to a new water supply for the areas, which is now from a borehole in Taplow.

It says the water has reacted with old "galvanised" iron pipes at some homes, which link them back to the water mains.

This has caused the water to emerge from taps with a metallic-like taste.

The spokesman said the actual water mains have not been affected and it is only when water passes through the old service pipes that a problem arises.

Homes with newer pipes made of plastic have not been affected, he said.