George Kennedy, a retired divisional officer secretary of Johnstone community council, began taking a shower last Sunday (April 6) but was almost burned when scorching hot water poured out.

Residents have since contacted The Gazette after splashing out hundreds of pounds on new showers as Scottish Water failed to inform them there would be reducing water pressure in the area.

Mr Kennedy also expressed his concern that young children or elderly residents could end up badly injured by the effects.

George told The Gazette: “I went in for a shower on Sunday and had to leap out quickly because it was just scalding water coming out.

“I tried changing the temperatures quickly but I couldn’t regulate it.

“Luckily, I was fast to get out but if there was an elderly person or child, or someone not quite so nimble on their feet, they could have been seriously scalded.

“Reduced pressure would also seriously affect the incoming supply to fire pumps.

“That means firefighters dealing with a serious fire, like Johnstone experienced at WRC Recycling plant, would not be able to put it out if the water pressure was reduced.

“I’m not an alarmist but people need to be made aware of this because they could be burned badly or spending money on something that can be fixed.” But Scottish Water insisted it has now resolved the issues and said there is no risk of the fire service having inadequate pressure for their needs.

Johnstone residents contacted the firm about the issues after experiencing problems with showers and baths, leaving some with freezing cold water, searing temperatures or no fluid whatsoever.

Dennis Lavery, who lives in the Quarrelton area of Johnstone, said his neighbours even shelled out money for new bathroom equipment after thinking their showers were broken.

He said: “People have ran out and bought new showers because no one was informed Scottish Water would be reducing the water pressure.

“There were no letters sent out nor warnings, absolutely no communication with Johnstone residents.

“It’s completely unsatisfactory.

“As a public organisation it is their job to inform people about any changes or defects which could affect the water in this area.” His wife, Margaret Lavery, who is secretary vice chairwoman of the Quarrelton Tenants and Residents Association, said she contacted Scottish Water and MSP Hugh Henry regarding the matter.

“It’s dreadful, people had no idea about what was happening,” she said. “I’ve since been told the change in water pressure could either be temporary or permanent.” George, who lives in Bevan Grove, worried that if water pressure is reduced permanently, it would have dire consequences should another fire break out.

He expressed fears that firefighters would struggle to douse flames if a fire erupted like last year’s inferno blaze at the town’s recycling plant.

He added: “I spoke to Scottish Water who could not tell me if this was a temporary reduction in pressure or a permanent one but would investigate this sometime next week.

“As an ex-serviceman, I know that fire pumps need a lot of pressure for the water to come out forcefully, if at all.” A Scottish Water spokesman said: “We have been carrying out extensive investigation work in the Johnstone area in the last few weeks following concerns from customers regarding their water pressure.

“Water mains upgrade work has been ongoing in the area for some time to re-line ageing pipes and ensure optimal water quality.

“This has necessitated some reconfiguration of the water network which has caused variations in water pressure at peak times.

“This was communicated to local residents by letter.

“In addition our inspectors have repaired a faulty valve which would have been causing lower than normal water pressure in the network.

“The minimum level of water pressure required by regulations is one bar.

“We aim to provide customers with around two and a half bars and we are continuing to ensure the pressure for all properties in Johnstone meets or exceeds this.

“Any customers who feel they are not receiving adequate pressure should contact us on 0845 601 8855.

“If the water pressure is too high it can damage household appliances, and high pressure also increases the likelihood of burst or leaking water mains.”