South East Water wants to ensure our tap water remains crystal clear.

But to do that, the company warns it may first turn our water brown.

The firm will be undertaking a deep clean of the underground pipework in the central Maidstone and Yalding areas for around two weeks from Wednesday, June 5.

The work involves pumping water through pipes at high speed to flush out naturally occurring sediments which build up over time, such as iron or manganese.

Despite not being harmful, these can cause customers’ water to become discoloured.

Jenny Rhodes, the regional network manager, said: “The fresh drinking water entering our mains after treatment is extremely high quality. However, over time, deposits can build up in the pipes, particularly if the water is slow moving.

“Our team of scientists and engineers use information gathered from our customers, from water samples and historical data to develop a programme to ensure we flush the areas that need it most.

“We appreciate customers may have concerns about the water used during the process appearing to run to waste, but we only draw through our pipes as much as we need, and once the water reaches its journey’s end, it is directed into the drains to be recycled.”

"During the work it is possible customers may notice a reduction in water pressure, and some discolouration, but this is temporary and can be solved by running the kitchen tap until the water runs clear."

The company said it would avoid flushing between 6am and 8am, and 5pm and 10pm, when demand is highest.

It advised anyone with a medical condition which could be impacted by a temporary interruption to their water supply to sign up to our Priority Services Register at southeastwater.co.uk/help.

The roads that will affected in the first week starting June 3, will be:

Albion Place

Brewer Street

Brockman Place

Camden Street

Church Street

Cromwell Road

Marsham Street

New Cut Road

Old School Place

Priory Gate

Queen Anne Road

Sittingbourne Road

Tufton Street

Union Street

Wheeler Street

Woollett Street

Wyatt Street

And in the week starting June 10:

Albion Place

Ashford Road

Brooks Place

Church Street

King Street

Marsham Street

News Cut Road

Queen Anne Road

Romney Place

Square Hill Road

Tufton Street

Wyatt Street

Additionally, a number of roads in Yalding will be affected in the week starting June 10:

Bow Bridge

Bow Hill

Bow Meadow Cottages

Kenward Road

Lughourse Lane

Medway Avenue

Salters Cross