Winnipeg’s brown water problem might not be your cup of tea, but if that discolored water damaged your clothing or bedding, you could be in line for compensation.
City Council passed a motion Wednesday to cover legitimate laundry damage if there’s proof.
The city is still working out the details but is at least looking for dates and times, pictures, a list of damaged items, and proof you’ve tried to get the stains out on your own.
St. Boniface City Councillor Dan Vandal said Wednesday they kept the motion to laundry claims alone because it’s easy to prove.
Get daily National news
“It’s laundry damage only and it’s legitimate laundry damage. The wheres and hows and administration is going to be worked out by the claims department.”
The motion has some councillors worried that if the city accepts responsibility for laundry, other claims could soon be filed.
“Why is it legitimate for laundry and not for the person who can’t drink that water?” asked River Height’s Councillor John Orlikow before the vote in council chambers. “They’re legitimate. Just because we put the word laundry there, does that mean that resolves any kind of legal challenges that we’ll have to this?”
Brenda Maxwell, who has had brown water periodically in her North Kildonan since July, wants the city to cover her bill and the bottles of water she’s had to buy.
“I’m thrilled they’re covering the laundry for people who need it,” she told Global News Wednesday. “I also feel they’re leaving out people buying bottled water too.”
Plumbing experts say sediment from brown water collecting in your hot water tank could be costly. It can damage the appliance, reducing its efficiency and can shorten the tank’s life span.
“That’s another expense we as tax payers shouldn’t be paying for, if it’s this sediment ruining out hot water tanks.” said Maxwell.
So far, those expenses are not being considered for compensation and there’s no cap for compensation claims.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.