WINNIPEG — Brown or discoloured water is often a sign of summer in Winnipeg, but now the the problem is flowing into fall.
There are still more questions than answers about why dirty tap water has been so prevalent and widespread this season, but Mayor Sam Katz told media Wednesday that the city needs answers soon.
“I certainly have brown water in my office, and as you know, there are many citizens that have brown water as well. As far as I’m concerned it’s just not acceptable.”
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Winnipeg’s water service has partnered with an independent engineering and consulting firm to find the cause.
“We’re looking at everything and we’re not making any assumptions to what it might be,” said Terry Josephson, manager of the city water services department. “We’re looking at everything from water quality (and chemistry) to flows through our pipes.”
Water and waste department officials said they have a few leads on the cause but won’t speculate until there’s confirmation.
Jospehson did confirm that water leaving the city’s treatment plant exceeds national guidelines and meets all regulated licence requirements.
A University of Winnipeg test on a city tap water sample found rust, silt, clay and plant and dead algae material.
Health officials said it’s not dangerous but still said to avoid drinking, bathing and washing clothes and dishes in the discoloured water.
“That’s a precaution,” said Josephson. “It’s not that its not safe, it’s in the event that we learn something new (about the water).”
The city hopes to have the water cleared up in the next few months.
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