VENEZUELANS awoke to find their tap water running black today during a lethal week-long power outage.

Horrified residents in San Diego, Carabobo state, posted images of the dark water on social media complaining their supply had been contaminated with oil.

The city has been struggling with problems with its water for months, which has intensified recently after a six-day blackout left some areas completely without any water all, according to reports.

But when it came back on Wednesday, some people couldn't drink what was flowing from the taps.

Local journalist Heberlizeth González said: "The situation for lack of water in San Diego is terrible.

"There are sectors that have been for more than two months without the service, like other areas of Valencia and Los Coolos.

"This morning the water that arrived in San Diego was awful. Nothing suitable for consumption."

WHO'S TO BLAME?