Angry Yorkshire Water bosses say they will seek legal action if necessary to recoup the costs of a water bungle from Bradford Council.

Thousands of homes across the city are likely to wake up to brown water supplies tomorrow after council contractors damaged a two-foot wide water main at Dudley Hill, Bradford.

The water company is having to divert supplies to 64,000 homes in south and east Bradford while they repair the fault and the massive switch around in the system will disturb iron sediments, causing tap water to become gritty and brown.

Today, a Yorkshire Water spokesman said the operation was costing the company tens of thousands of pounds to put right. "We are in discussion with Bradford Council and the Council is certainly aware of our intention to try and recoup the costs of the entire operation," the spokesman said.

The costs of the operation include major engineering work, mailshots to 64,000 customers and additional bowsers and mineral water for vulnerable consumers

Today, it emerged that discoloration could affect an even bigger area than first thought - extending into Cleckheaton.

Yorkshire Water said: "We do anticipate problems, but until Thursday morning we are not quite sure where they will strike."

Householders are being warned to let water stand in a jug to allow sediment to settle before using it for drinking or cooking. Washing machines should not be used

The damage was done by contractors, North Yorkshire County Contracting, whose workers were digging the road.

A NYCC spokesman said: "This evening an investigation involving both NYCC and YW will take place to assess the damage."

David Kennedy, director of regeneration at Bradford Council, said: "We cannot comment on how much money this incident is likely to cost."

More information is available from Yorkshire Water's helpline on 0845 124 24 24.

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