Scottish Water is investigating the cause of murky brown water pouring from taps across north-east Fife.
The company was flooded with complaints after hundreds of people were affected by the discolouration over the weekend and into Monday.
Householders in Cupar, Auchtermuchty, Falkland, St Andrews and Newport reported experiencing the sludge-coloured liquid.
It is thought it may have been caused by two burst water mains near Cults, which have since been repaired.
The Courier was contacted by a Falkland resident who said she had been enduring discoloured water on and off for more than two years.
Tricia Lessells, 43, is convinced her water supply is at the root of health problems experienced by her and 46-year-oldhusband Alexander.
Mrs Lessells, who works as a carer, said she and her HGV driver husband bothsuffer from an overactive thyroid which can be caused by excess calcium and fluoride in drinking water.
“I feel it’s having a direct impact onpeople’s health,” she said.“I’ve been on the phone to Scottish Water continually and I’ve sent them emails but they keep sending replies saying it’s safe to drink.
“Who would want to drink water looking like that? It’s brown and there are bitsfloating in it.
“I don’t even let my dog drink it. I’d rather he drank out of puddles than drank the water from our tap.”
Instead, the Lessells have been drinking filtered water and say they will continue to do so until their tap water is analysed.
A Scottish Water spokesman said: “We are investigating the cause of reports ofdiscoloured water affecting customers in the KY14, KY15, KY16 and DD6 post code areas, including Cupar, Newport-on-Tay, Tayport and Freuchie.
“This might be linked to two burst water mains near Cults, which have been repaired.We would advise any customers affected by discoloured water to run the cold water tap in their kitchen until the water runs clear.”
He added the public water supply was rigorously tested to ensure it met industry standards and urged anyone with healthconcerns to contact their GP.