Cllr Godfrey Allanson, who lives in the village, says the water tastes like "TCP".

"This is a problem that goes back some time but it has been especially bad this year," he said. "I have had to drink bottled water because the water from the tap tastes strongly of chlorine. We usually enjoy a coffee after the church service, but that has been undrinkable as well recently."

Cllr Allanson has raised the issue with the local parish council, which has written to the head of environmental services at Scarborough Council.

Cllr Allanson added: "There has got to be a reason why the water is chlorinated at both ends of the village. No-one has become ill because of it, as far as I am aware, but it cannot be good for you to drink water that tastes like it's come from a swimming pool."

In 2007 Yorkshire Water started a major upgrade of mains pipes in the Filey and Scarborough area, including Muston. The 18-month project saw 43km of pipework replaced, relined or cleaned.

Brian Stephenson, former chairman of Muston Parish Council, said: "On some days the water is as clear as a bell, but at other times it looks cloudy and tastes vile."

Andy Skelton, Scarborough Council's head of environmental services, said he was waiting to receive the letter from the parish council before offering advice.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Water said: "We are concerned to hear customers in Muston feel their water has a stronger chlorine taste than usual. We haven't received any contact from customers in Muston regarding chlorine levels in their water supply, nor have we had any issues in the area. We would encourage customers to report any changes in water quality directly to us so that we can investigate."

She added: "Yorkshire Water constantly monitors the quality of its water to ensure that the company is providing customers with the highest quality water possible. Chlorine is routinely added to the water supply in Yorkshire, with levels being continually monitored at pumping stations and treatment works to ensure the best quality of water is supplied while also taking into consideration our customers' taste experience."