Tap water polluted with faecal matter could be the cause of mystery stomach problems, according to new research.

Leaking water pipes underground have been found to allow potentially harmful contaminants into drinking water.

These contaminants – which could include viruses and bacteria from faeces - can cause stomach upsets, experts warned. Leaking pipes could let pollutants into the drinking water supply, causing stomach problems, a study found

The pressure in mains water pipes usually forces water to seep out through leaks.

However, when there is a significant pressure drop in a damaged section of a pipe, water surrounding it can also be sucked in through the hole.

It was previously thought that if any contaminants were sucked in they would be ejected again once the pressure returned to normal.But engineers found that they can also remain in the pipe and travel on through the network and into taps.

They said contaminated water could be the reason why people sometimes suffer from a 'dodgy tummy' they cannot explain.

Drops in pressure can happen when there are sudden demands on the system, such as when firefighters need large volumes to fight a fire.

UK drinking water is tested for harmful contaminants and complies with the regulations more than 99 per cent of the time, but any failure is a cause for concern, said lead researcher Professor Joby Boxall, of the University of Sheffield.

He said: 'Previous studies have shown that material around water pipes contains harmful contaminants, including viruses and bacteria from faeces.

'So anything sucked into the network through a leak is going to include things we don't want to be drinking.

Just thinking

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey