PUC responds to brown water complaints

NEWS RELEASE SAULT STE.

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE PUC

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Brown water complaints east end of city

This information is provided in response to the many inquiries received from water customers regarding the brown water coming from their taps on Tuesday afternoon (Decernber 4) and to update the public on the situation.

One of the wells in the far east end of the city had been shut down for several weeks due to mechanical problems,

Repairs were completed and the well returned to service Tuesday afternoon.

The production from this well reversed flow patterns of water in the distribution pipes over a large area across the east end.

Discoloured water is the result of a change in flow direction which stirs up pre-existing sediment that has been collecting for many years due to internal corrosion of cast iron pipes.

The sediment, once disturbed, can remain suspended for quite some time.

ln most cases the discolouration will clear up with 15 to 20 minutes of flushing.

PUC recently completed a Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) Program throughout the entire east end of the city.

This is considered one of the best methods to improve water quality.

However, it will take several complete passes through the system in order to achieve longterm lasting results.

This Program is now ended for the winter, but will resume in the east end starting early May, 2013.

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.

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.

lf 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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Photo provided by loyal SooToday.com reader on Birchwood Street and published earlier today