FOUL smelling water is continuing to plague those living in Johnstone and the surrounding areas.

The water supply has been running a putrid brown colour for over a month and shows no sign of clearing up.

We previously reported in The Gazette of brown water tainting the Lochwinnoch supply which Scottish Water claimed to have cleared.

However complaints have been coming back stronger than before now that the problem has started to spread to the Johnstone area.

Residents have been running baths with black chunks of dirt floating in the tub which leaves behind a black residue.

White clothes washes have been ruined due to black stains caused by the gunge while the brown tap water is completely undrinkable.

One resident claimed that pregnant women were being handed free bottles of water however, children and adults have had to deal with the issue themselves.

Vivienne Hamilton, who lives in Johnstone with her two children aged three and 13, has been badly affected by the problem.

She said: "The water is so dirty and has been like this for weeks.

"I have asked for bottled water and they only appear to be giving it to pregnant women.

"I have two kids though, surely they are just as important?

"If you have children, even infant children, they were not issuing free water.

"I told Scottish Water that everyone should have been given water but this was to no avail.

"I couldn't make drinks up for the kids or cook vegetables in it.

"The washing machines were black after a wash, as was the rubber around the door.

"Our bath is also full of grit and dirt when you drain it too."

According to Vivienne, her neighbours have spoken of "damp musty" smells coming from washing machines and thick brown water from showers.

Toilets have also been stained by grit and water has been running a "coffee brown" shade.

Residents have had problems getting washed in the mornings and bathing their children in the muck.

Others are concerned about leaving their hot water on for hours to "clear the issue" as advised by Scottish Water.

Some also claim that Scottish Water took samples to be analysed and said it was safe to drink, however many are unconvinced.

Vivienne said: "I actually called the water board twice, first time I was assured a team leader would call me back but I heard nothing.

"Two days later I called again and didn't even receive an apology.

"I was told my family didn't qualify for bottled water, I asked him do my kids not deserve fresh drinking water? And I just got a long pause."

A Scottish Water spokesman however claims that the issue is being looked into and will be sorted very soon.

He said: "We are carrying out work on a stretch of main in the Lochwinnoch area which may cause a small number of customers to experience discoloured water or a change in water pressure.

"We are working to resolve these issues while this project is being completed.

"In the meantime, customers are advised to turn on the cold water tap in their kitchen, and let the water flow slowly until it runs clear.

"We thank customers for their patience and understanding while we complete this essential work."