A burst mains pipe in Chipstead is causing water supply problems in the Banstead, Chipstead, Coulsdon and Purley area.

Emergency teams from Sutton and East Surrey Water (SESW) have worked throughout the night repairing a damaged water main in Outwood Lane, Chipstead.

The road was closed after a telecomms contractor drilled through a trunk main there yesterday evening while laying new cables, causing flooding in the area.

Up to 40 properties and six shops were flooded with water levels up to a metre deep but this is now receding.

The damage to the mains pipe has led to customers in the south of the borough having water problems including poor pressure, a total loss of supply, or cloudy water.

A SESW spokesman said: "Chalk should not cause concern, but customers may wish to avoid drinking the water while it is cloudy, as it may not taste as it normally does.

"Changes in water flow can also disturb iron deposits in mains, which may cause water to be brown, orange or yellow in colour.

"Again, the presence of iron should not cause concern, but it is recommended that customers do not drink the water whilst it is discoloured in this way."

Free bottled water is now available in Woodmansterne at Whitethorn Avenue Methodist Church and St Peter’s Church in Rectory Lane.

The spokesman said all remaining properties without water will have supplies restored later today.

He added: "We apologise for any inconvenience that this incident may have caused."

Anyone with an emergency can call SESW on 01737 772000.

Do you have any pictures of the flooding? Email them to rfisk@london.newsquest.co.uk or tweet them to @Robert_Croydon