Southern Water has confirmed that residents in the New Forest and surrounding areas should now have running water in their homes.

18,000 homes and businesses were without water for days since flooding from Storm Ciaran overwhelmed Southern Water's Testwood processing plant, forcing a shutdown.

Southern Water said the storm had an 'unprecedented impact' on the water quality and levels of the River Test which prompted them to cut off the supply to homes across Waterside, Totton and parts of the New Forest on Thursday night.

READ MORE: Mum uses bottled water to clean son's soiled sheets

The storm made it difficult for the company to take water from the river and treat it for drinking as the 'normally crystal clear' waters of the Test were turned a 'muddy brown' as the raging floodwaters churned up surrounding fields, a spokesman explained.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, this morning, Southern Water tweeted: “Homes in #Waterside #NewForest should have water. 

“Applemore Leisure Centre bottled water site will remain open this morning.

“As your water returns, you may notice low pressure and some discolouration this is normal and temporary.”