Water quality in Oswestry is to be investigated following a spate of complaints. The town’s supply switched from United Utilities to Severn Trent several years ago.

But critics claim it tasted far better before the change.

Now Oswestry Borough Council is to set up a “task and finish group” to gather evidence of dissatisfaction and consider if an alternative supply is feasible.

Its findings will be passed to water watchdog Ofwat in February.

Severn Trent spokeswoman Gill Dickinson said the supply was changed more than five years ago and the firm was confident it had secured high quality water.

She said: “The previous supply, from Llanforda and Pen-y-Gwely, was less able to meet drinking water standards reliably, especially for iron and manganese. 

“The raised levels of these substances in our network, while not harmful to health, led to acute dirty water problems for customers, especially in the Llanforda Mead and Llanforda Rise areas.

“This was unacceptable – we do not take chances with customers’ water supplies.”

But Marianne Jones, of Llanforda Mead, said her water quality was “terrible”.

“We never know if we are going to have a decent cup of tea,” she said.

Sue Ellison, also of Llanforda Mead, said when the supply changed, her washing came out dirty and she had to replace the washing machine. The pipe had thick, black “sludgy” stuff inside it, she said.

Joanne Galmot-Kerr, of Llanforda Rise, said: “We always filter our water.”

Peter Davies, of Llanforda Rise, said his supply was more than adequate. “The water is absolutely fine,” he said.