INFORMATION ABOUT DISCOLORED WATER
Occasionally, the Bridgewater Water Supply Division receives questions or complaints regarding the appearance of drinking water, specifically, brown tinted water. There are two major sources that can cause water to be discolored this time of year:
1) Flow changes in the water mains, primarily caused by illegal irrigation and filling of swimming pools.
2) Low water levels have forced the opening of two Wells on Plymouth Street, that are usually offline, to be online.
IS DISCOLORED WATER HARMFUL?
There are no health hazards associated with these minerals and sediment in the water. The sediment is always in our system but is only visible when a change in flow is enough to disturb the sediment. Although the sediment is not appealing to the eye, it is not a health risk.
WHAT SHOULD CUSTOMERS DO IF THEY EXPERIENCE DISCOLORED WATER?
In most cases the water will clear on its own within a few hours. If your water is discolored:
- Use the water to flush toilets, but avoid running the water through filters, water heaters, and washing machines.
- Wait an hour for the water system to settle, and then run water at one tap for 5-10 minutes to see if it clears. If it does not clear, wait another hour, and try again. When the water runs clear, run water throughout the house to flush any sediment that may have been drawn into your pipes.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO RESTORE WATER LEVELS?
Sprinkler systems are strictly prohibited from being connected to the Town’s Water Supply. Filling of swimming pools is also prohibited. This produces a water pressure reduction throughout the Town, puts a strain on the water wells and causes discolored water. HANDHELD HOSES ONLY!
Water Supply Division personnel will be conducting random inspections across the town to identify homes and businesses where prohibited use order is not being complied with. Any person violating this by-law shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $50 for the first violation and $100 for each subsequent violation.
IF IRRIGATING FROM A PRIVATE WELL:
Please remember, all Wells need to be registered with the Board of Health. After installing a Well, submit your Well Completion Log to the Board of Health. Evidence of Board of Health’s permit for the well shall be submitted to the Town’s Water Division.