Major water main work may temporarily cause discoloured water for some residents in west Transcona, East Kildonan and East Elmwood on December 18 and 19, 2013

Released: December 16, 2013 at 11:11 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB - Major work on the City’s water distribution system in Transcona is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18 and Thursday, December 19, 2013. To accommodate the new Plessis Road underpass just north of Dugald Road, a new section of water main will be connected to the distribution system and the existing section of water main abandoned. This work will take two days and requires operating valves on water mains in the immediate area.

Tap water may be temporarily discoloured for some residents in the area of west Transcona, East Kildonan and East Elmwood bounded by Plessis Road to the east, Dugald Road / Nairn Avenue to the south, Gateway Road to the west, McLeod Avenue / Grassie Boulevard to the north. Any time there is a major change in the rate or direction of flow of water in the distribution system, sediment, including dead algae and minerals (e.g., manganese, iron) in the water pipes can loosen and be released into the water. This material can stain laundry and may also affect the taste of the water or of any beverages made with it. The water can range in appearance from a light tea colour to a dark brown cola-like colour.

If residents experience discoloured water, it is recommended they do not use it for any purposes that require clean water (e.g., for drinking, preparing food and beverages, laundry). This recommendation is because discoloured water does not taste, smell or look pleasant, and it can stain clothes - health officials do not believe that drinking discoloured water would pose a health risk.

Residents that notice their water is discoloured should:

  • Turn on a cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes. It is best to use a bathtub tap as there is no screen to trap any sediment.
  • Catch some water in a light-coloured cup. If the water isn’t clear, turn off the tap, wait 30 minutes and try again. Discoloured water usually doesn't last long. If the water still isn't clear after waiting two to three hours, contact 311, open 24 hours every day.

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