City to pay up for brown water damage

The City of Winnipeg will start paying up for the brown water problem.

Council’s executive policy committee approved a motion from St. Boniface councillor Dan Vandal Wednesday which would compensate residents for legitimate claims of damage caused by washing in brownish water.

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Several Winnipeg neighbourhoods have been plagued by the intermittent problem and the city has received thousands of complaints of discoloured water. Officials say it’s not a health risk, but at the same time have advised against drinking it.

Many people have complained that clothes and bedding have been stained by the water and are demanding compensation.

The city has so far rejected more than 60 damage claims, citing the City of Winnipeg Charter which says it isn’t responsible for any water claims so long as the water is safe to drink.

The compensation motion still has to be passed by full council next week.