Cloudy water
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Your water may appear white/milky
or seem to fizz and act like carbonated water. When a glass of water
stands for several minutes and bubbles rise to the top and the water
clears from the bottom of the glass to the top, the cloudiness is due to
air in the water lines. This condition should clear up in a minimal
amount of time and there is no cause for concern. If this condition
persists for an extended period of time contact the Department of Public Works.
Discolored Water
A portion of our water is generated by ground water wells. During this
process, naturally occurring sediment and sand can be drawn up into our
distribution system. This sediment and sand settle out of the water,
sometimes depositing on the bottom of our water mains. When there is a
disturbance caused by water main repair, fire hydrant use/damage, or
increased water demand by new construction that results inhigh velocity
in the water mains, this sediment is disturbed. Sediment may be drawn
into your home if water is used during the disturbance.
Despite the appearance of the
water, a disinfectant residual is maintained in the water mains to
ensure that the water is safe to drink. Much of this stirred-up material
is often ferrous (iron) in composition. This does not represent a
health hazard. However, since chlorine bleach can set iron stains,
please postpone clothes laundering until the water clears up. Clearing
should occur within 30 minutes.
If you experience discolored water, immediately discontinue use. Report the incident to Public Works.
Before restarting water use inside
your home, run water from the faucet connection in your front yard to
assure the sediment has settled out of the water and that your service
connection from the distribution main is clear.
Once that has occurred, starting
with the water fixtures closest to the street, run the cold water until
the water runs clear. Proceed to the back of the home. If the discolored
water is throughout the home, run a rinse cycle on your clothes washer
and dishwasher.
Low Water Pressure
If you are experiencing lower than
normal water pressure, first check your house valve to make sure it is
opened completely. This valve is located below the faucet in your front
yard. Make sure it is turned to the left as far as possible. If this
does not return your pressure to normal, contact the Department of Public Works.
If you have no water, first check
your house valve as described above. If this does not return your water
service, contact Utilities at 585-6750 to check for a possible billing
problem. If no billing problem exists, please contact the Department of Public Works.