It's described as a landmark project.

Uisce Éireann says it also has a dedicated team providing support to local representatives.

People are being asked to not run taps needlessly and to take showers instead of baths.

Crews are trying to mitigate the impact on households.

Regional Infrastructure Delivery Lead, Eunan Canavan says the current overused system is not capable of holding excess water during heavy rain periods.

The Athlone Main Drainage Project involves the construction of new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, and almost 3km of new sewers.

Sue McMillan says the fact Irish Water were aware repairs were being carried out, and the colouring of the water had been impacted, customers should have been notified.