Hundreds of people have complained about dry skin they think may be linked to tap water supplied by Thames Water from the Hampton Waterworks.

Householders are complaining it is affecting their skin and hair - and that there is a strong chlorine smell and taste.

A social media poll attracted 400 votes with just over two thirds of people saying they believe there is something wrong with their water.

Thames Water has confirmed it has received multiple reports from worried customers, however it has carried out tests and insists there is nothing wrong with the supply.

The company said it could not speculate on why there have been so many reports from different people.

The issue was first highlighted by Richmond Park resident, Barbara Elliott, on the Nextdoor social media website, who set up a poll to gauge people's views of the tapwater.

The poll received 400 votes with 67 per cent of respondents reporting a problem.

She asked: "Have you noticed a difference in your house water. Quite a few of us have noticed a change in our tap water in the last 45 days?

"We see it in our skin, we feel extra dry. We smell chlorine, some have had skin conditions flare up, but then go away as soon as you leave the area for a few days.

"We had a great deal of resident response - and we have reached out to Thames Water who say they have run tests and nothing's wrong."

Mrs Elliott is not convinced by the assurances, saying: "I just don't trust Thames Water to look after us."

Her post has generated a massive response with over 200 comments from residents across Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kingston and beyond.

One contributor wrote: "We were experiencing dry and irritated skin whilst in Kingston. We are now staying in West Sussex and all symptoms have disappeared."

Another complained: "Indeed same for me the last month or two even - unusually dry skin.... and I can smell chlorine in the water too - TW10, Good to know it's not only me."

A Kew resident wrote: "We were suspecting something must be going on with the water. We have a healthy diet and take all the needed vitamins and supplements however our skins feel really uncomfortable to the touch.

"My girl and myself have flare ups and my husband can't stop scratching his skin all the time and doctors don't have more recommendations for his problem."

A Castlenau woman added : "I'm so relieved to see this post as I have been going mad with itchiness all over and was really getting worried as to what might be wrong.

"So helpful to know it is not just me."

Thames Water confirmed to Nub News it has received a large number of reports and that it responded by carrying out widespread sampling from multiple locations across the area.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The quality and safety of the water we supply to our millions of customers is of paramount importance.

"We immediately carried out a robust investigation into the concerns, including widespread sampling from multiple locations across the area.

"The tests came back clear of any issues that would indicate any risk to public health or likely to cause skin conditions.

"Chlorine levels were all within their expected range.

"As a result, we do not have any concerns relating to the quality of the water being supplied to this area."

They confirmed the water supply came from the Hampton Waterworks and that chlorine is used, adding: "This is essential for health reasons and is done at a level that will ensure that all parts of the network are protected.

"It is never added at a level that could cause a risk to health and is constantly monitored. All samples collected during the investigation confirmed that chlorine levels remain well within safe operational limits."

Asked whether Thames Water had any thoughts on why so many different people have reported a problem, they said: "We can't speculate."

They continued: "Testing was carried out on April 28th and 29th. Our tests came back clear of any issues."

A resident reported on Nextdoor that samples were taken of his tapwater earlier this week.

This was confirmed by Thames Water, which said: "The results of that will be known in around two weeks."

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