United Utilities voted one of the UK's top 50 firms to work for

United Utilities, which was forced to pay out around £25m in compensation for contaminating the network with the bug cryptosporidium, is rated as the 24th best firm to work for in a staff survey involving 1,600 businesses.

Jaguar Land Rover came top, with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca second and department store Harrods third. Two other water companies - Northumbrian and Anglia - also made the chart.

The news will come as a welcome boost to Warrington-based United Utilities where staff battled through a challenging 2015, yet still gave their employers a massive thumbs up.

More than 300,000 homes and businesses in Preston, South Ribble, Chorley and the Fylde Coast were affected when cryptosporidium was found in supplies in early August. Consumers were advised to boil all drinking water, with parts of the network not being given the all-clear for 30 days.

An investigation into what caused the contamination has still not been concluded six months on.

A company spokesman said: “We’re delighted our employees have spoken favourably about working for United Utilities. As a business we understand how vital our employees are for our success.

“And we make sure they are well trained and work in an environment which is both challenging and fun so they can deliver a great service.”

For all of last year’s coverage on the water contamination in Lancashire visit the links below:

Parasite found in water supply

WATER SCARE: What is Cryptosporidium?

Shelves cleared amid water scare

Map issued showing affected areas

Health warning continues after bug is found in water supply

BREAKING: Water warning to last into next week

WATER CHAOS: Compensation claims spark debate

WATER CHAOS: Compensation could be given to residents

‘Why weren’t we told sooner?’

Battle for safe water rages as investigations continue