Ayrshire residents will see changes in their water supply with chlorine now being added to the the distribution process.

Chloramination has already been rolled out to a million homes in Scotland.

The process is harmless to humans and continues to keep water safe after it leaves treatment works.

Thousands of people have now signed a petition against the change raising concerns about human and pet health.

Scottish water say the process offers a reliable form of treatment by ensuring the disinfection of the water.

A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: "As part of our long-term investment programme to improve water quality for our customers, we're gradually increasing the number of areas in Scotland supplied with chloraminated water.

"Over one million customers across the country already receive chloraminated water.

"The process offers a reliable and effective form of water treatment by ensuring the disinfection of the water is consistent and stable throughout the pipe distribution process."