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Guelph warns of discoloured water as city tests 2,700 fire hydrants

Over 2,700 fire hydrants are to be tested in Guelph, according to the city.
Over 2,700 fire hydrants are to be tested in Guelph, according to the city. Matt Carty / Global Guelph

The City of Guelph says it has started testing 2,700 fire hydrants and that some residents may see discoloured water coming out of their taps as a result.

Testing starts in the south end of Guelph and will continue to move north.

There will be no disruption of water service, and no chemicals are used while testing the fire hydrants, the city said. However, the city noted that some residents may experience a short period of discoloured water.

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Drinking small amounts of discoloured water is unlikely to cause any health issues, but the city recommends running a cold-water tap for five to 15 minutes until the water runs clear.

Discoloured water occurs when minerals naturally present in Guelph’s groundwater combine with chlorine to form small rust particles, which settle on the bottom of water mains and pipes.

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Testing fire hydrants involves high-pressured blasts that can disrupt the settled particles.

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