 The tiny insect larvae are not harmful |
Severn Trent say an outbreak of midge larvae in the water supply in Leicestershire has been tracked to a treatment works in Derbyshire. National water inspectors are looking at the outbreak of worm-like creatures and will take action if necessary.
Sue Pennison, from the Drinking Water Inspectorate, said the larvae - which came from a plant in Melbourne - are not harmful but can concern consumers.
The larvae, about 4mm (0.16in) long, have been found in at least 10 homes.
Pipes scoured
"Under the Water Act, we can prosecute for water that is unfit for consumption, including water that is aesthetically unpleasing," she said.
David Wickens, quality and environmental manager at Severn Trent, said an improvement should be seen right away and the larvae should be eliminated by the weekend.
"This programme should be completed by the weekend - and scouring of the pipes will continue until the mains are cleared."
Anyone with a complaint can contact Water Voice, a consumer group or Severn Trent's customer call centre.
Severn Trent is spending �150,000 on flushing pipes in the affected areas.
The creatures are the larvae of a freshwater midge known as chironomids.
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