Bradford's water system is set to undergo a massive overhaul which will last three years.

Yorkshire Water is ploughing £75 million into the scheme which it hopes will improve the environment, upgrade rusty pipes and provide customers with a better quality product.

The biggest rehabilitation of a system Yorkshire Water has ever undertaken is already underway at the Chellow Heights Water Treatment Works.

The company admits there will be disruption to traffic as works are set to take place on many of the city's major roads, including Leeds Road and Rooley Lane, from September.

It also has warned that customers may find there is some discoloration of water, but it is planning to keep problems to a minimum.

Yorkshire Water is set to spend £29 million improving the environment, with money being spent mainly on better storm overflows to prevent waste running into waterways.

It is spending £21 million upgrading the large water mains which run roughly around the city's ring road.

A further £15 million will be spent upgrading smaller water mains which distribute water to properties. It is also spending £10 million at Chellow to improve water quality.

Terry Thompson, distribution asset project engineer for Yorkshire Water, said: "We'll be investing over £75 million in Bradford over the next few years which is great news for the city.

"The money will be spent upgrading the water mains which will mean higher quality drinking water for residents as well as a more secure supply.

"We will also be investing in the waste water side of the business. "Rivers in Yorkshire are now cleaner than ever and we want to make sure that we continue to build on past improvements. This is so beneficial to the environment.

"Whilst the work is taking place we know that there will be some disruption to motorists using the city's roads, especially the ring road.

"We are already working with the Highway authorities to ensure that the impact is minimised but this is a major scheme and there will be some traffic problems.

"This is the largest single rehabilitation scheme that Yorkshire Water has ever carried out and the benefits for Bradford and its residents will be enormous."

The firm is working in conjunction with a variety of bodies to minimise impact to the public and customers.

It has spent more than 12 months planning the scheme, and is already working with the Council, highways department, businesses, schools and hospitals to ensure the public is aware of the plans.

When the main work starts later this year the company plans to keep the public advised on traffic works and disruption via the internet, signs and AA Roadwatch, among other schemes.

Major business customers have already been told of the plans and Yorkshire Water will also be talking to the 110 school in the area which may be affected.