East end brown water explained by PUC

NEWS RELEASE SAULT STE. MARIE PUC ************************* This information is provided as a public service notification to Sault Ste.

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE PUC

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This information is provided as a public service notification to Sault Ste. Marie consumers of municipal drinking water in the east end of the City who experienced discoloured water coming from their taps on the evening of November 20th beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m.

This issue was not a result of any activities performed by PUC on the water distribution system.

The occurrence was a direct result of the failure of a private fire hydrant located on private property.

A sudden release of a large volume of water over a short period of time resulted in changes to flow direction which stirred up pre-existing sediment that have been collecting for many years due to internal corrosion of cast iron pipes.

The sediment, once disturbed, can remain suspended for several hours.

Anyone that does draw discoloured water should flush their cold water faucets only (preferably a laundry tub or bath tub without screens or filters) for up to 15 minutes to clear the lines before calling PUC.

Do not run the hot water, in order to avoid filling your hot water tank with discoloured water.

Consumers that do draw discoloured water need not be alarmed.

While PUC does not recommend anyone consume discoloured water, the water is and will remain safe for use at all times.

If the water does not clear up after at least 15 minutes of flushing, please call Customer Service at 705- 759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 705-759-6555 at all other times.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and wish to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.

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