NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE PUC
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Brown water complaints ‐ East end of city
Some PUC customers in the east end of the city have experienced brown water coming from their taps Saturday afternoon March 1.
Earlier in the day, a watermain in the area of Pim and Bruce Streets broke due to frost in the roadway.
PUC crews are currently repairing the break.
In order to maintain adequate supply of water to customers without depleting storage reservoirs, the Lorna Well production had to be increased to maximum output.
This resulted in reversal of water flow patterns in the distribution pipes in the east end of the city causing the 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.
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 and cement pipes.
The sediment, once disturbed, can remain suspended for quite some time.
Anyone that does draw discoloured water should call PUC Customer Service at 705‐759‐6522 Monday through Friday from 9 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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