Why Does My Water Sometimes Look Brown?

Brown water occurs when normal sediments (Iron Oxide and Manganese) become agitated.  Agitation can occur when lines are turned off for repairs, a line breaks, flushing of fire hydrants, or excessive usage.  The brown water color is from Iron Oxide (rust) that comes off the pipes with age.  Although it is undesirable, the water is safe to drink. The color can stain white clothes in the washing machine.  Try to eliminate the brown color by running your cold water 15 to 20 minutes (from an outside faucet).  If the color does not go away, contact the Public Works Department at 232-2306, and they will send a worker out to try and flush the brown water out of a nearby fire hydrant.