WINNIPEG, MB - September 17, 2012 - This year's hot, dry weather has kept City crews busy dealing with a significant increase in water main breaks and discoloured water.
Terry Josephson, Manager of Water Services, explains, "This summer's hot weather, coupled with a lack of significant amounts of precipitation over the past two years, has caused the clay in Winnipeg's soil to dry out and shrink. This causes water main pipes to shift, resulting in an increase in water main breaks."
Sometimes when there is a change in the flow of the water through the distribution pipes (e.g., water main breaks, high demand, firefighting, water main cleaning), the natural build-up of material in the water pipes becomes loose and is released into the water. This material gives the water a discoloured look for neighbouring properties.
The City has been working with the Manitoba Office of Drinking Water, Manitoba Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority to ensure there are no concerns with the safety of the water. Dr. Lisa Richards, Medical Officer of Health with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says, "Discoloured water may be aesthetically unpleasant, but is unlikely to pose any health risks."
City crews have been dealing with three times as many water main breaks in August and September this year compared to normal. More water main breaks are likely if the dry weather continues.
From 1998 to 2011, the City has spent $114.4 million to replace corroded water mains with new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. This program has been instrumental in reducing water main breaks from 2,549 breaks in 1983 to 571 breaks in 2011.
The City also has a program to clean water mains each year to help preserve water quality as it passes from the drinking water treatment plant to the taps. About 306 kilometres of the 2,400 kilometres of water mains were cleaned this year in the Riverview area, as well as in areas west of the Red River and south of Wilkes Avenue.
The City runs an extensive water quality sampling and testing program that monitors the water in the distribution system. We respond to customer calls regarding their water quality and test the water to confirm that it is safe. All results have indicated that the water is safe.
Tips for residents experiencing discoloured water
Discoloured water typically does not last long. Residents should:
- Turn on a cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes.
- Catch some water in a light-coloured cup or container to see if it is clear. Do not use discoloured water for any purposes that require clear water (e.g., preparing food and beverages, laundry). Drinking discoloured water should not make you sick; however, it may not smell, taste or look pleasant, and can stain laundry.
- If the water doesn't clear within 5 minutes, wait 30 minutes and try again.
- If the water is still discoloured after two to three hours, contact 311, open 24 hours every day, by phone at 311 or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca.