South West Water says it has restored water to the majority of homes in the Gunnislake and Calstock area.

Some residents called the water shortage a ’health issue’ after they were left for 36 hours or more without a supply. Others experienced intermittent problems throughout the weekend. Residents in all the Calstock parishes from Harrowbarrow to Gunnislake, Albaston and Drakewalls were affected — in the region of 6,000 homes.

Local shopowners sold out of bottled water and stocks in Callington and Tavistock stores were low as residents rushed out to get supplies. Neighbours helped each other by filling up bottles and kettles.

A water station was also set up at the Tamar Valley Donkey Park and water delivered to the most vulnerable residents.

The water company told the Times this afternoon: ’We are pleased to say that we have restored water to the majority of the Gunnislake and Calstock area. We do know there are still some customers that may be experiencing no water or a loss of pressure. Our teams have been working hard throughout the night and today constructing a temporary water pump station at Callington to improve flows and pressure in the system.

’We are continuing to work hard to restore water supplies while delivering bottled water directly to vulnerable customers and to those customers requesting it.

’We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding whilst we work to restore the remaining supplies as quickly as possible.’

Customers can request bottled water by calling this number 0344 346 2020