Manx Utilities is urging some Douglas customers not to use tap water due to ’an issue with the quality of water supply’.

It applies to everyone on the east side of North Quay and Church Road.

Tests have found that sea water ’could have entered the system’.

A Manx Utilities spokesman said: ’As a precautionary measure Manx Utilities are requesting customers in this area do not use their water.

’Water supply bowsers are in the process of being placed at Tesco’s, the Sea Terminal and Quine’s corner.

’Customers are requested not to use their water supply until Manx Utilities have given clearance to do so.’

The advice continues: ’Customers are requested to not drink, cook or wash with tap water. Although water can still be used for flushing toilets.

’Water filters will not guarantee that tap water is safe to drink, therefore, drinks or ice dispensing machines that may be attached to the mains supply should not be used.

’Those with pets should not give them tap water to drink or wash them with it until further notice.’

The network in the area has been isolated and will be flushed to return supplies to normal.

An investigation is being carried out into what happened.

For information and updates regarding supply, contact Gareth Patchett on 697687.

For concerns regarding health, call public health on 642639.