Severn Trent said over the next 18 months it would be replacing 16 miles (26km) of the ageing network in the Knockin area which serves 450 homes.

Officials said it should mean residents will be less likely to suffer problems with their supply.

It is hoped that a new system of installing the pipes - reducing the need to dig trenches - will keep any disruption to a minimum.

Some roads will be closed while the work is under way.