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INFORMATION ABOUT DISCOLORED WATER Occasionally the Middleton Water Utility receives customer questions or complaints regarding the appearance of drinking water, specifically iron-tinted discolored water. There are two major sources that can cause water to be discolored – flow changes in the water mains caused by a main leak or an open fire hydrant, and/or the water pipes on the customer's property, often from a failing water heater. Why is the water discolored on my property? Iron-tinted discolored water may occur because of sediment in the pipes or rust which has built up on the inside walls of older water mains. This sediment can be disturbed and subsequently suspended in the water due to an increase or change in water flow which may be caused by water main breaks, routine maintenance, flow direction changes or the use and flushing of a nearby fire hydrant. Discolored water can be a chronic problem in areas where there are older cast iron mains. Replacement, rehabilitation and cleaning of these older mains will provide relief - however such solutions are expensive and take time. It is important to call Middleton Water Utility when you have a chronic problem, so we can try to provide a temporary solution until the main can be renovated. Failing water heaters in buildings are also a source of discolored water. This is a likely source if the discoloration is noticed only when running the hot water in a building. Discolored water from the cold water faucet usually signals an issue with the water mains in the street or the property’s internal plumbing. Is discolored water dangerous? No. Discolored water is not a health threat even though it is not very appealing to drink. Even very low levels of iron can color the water. What should I do if I have discolored water? Middleton Water Utility recommends that you flush your water until you get clear water from the faucet. If it is still discolored after several minutes of flushing, you may need to wait a couple of hours until the sediment settles and the water in the main clears. Then try flushing at the faucet again. If it does not clear within a few hours, please call the Middleton Water Utility again. Middleton Water personnel may need to flush the main to clear the iron. When your water is discolored, it is recommended that you don't do laundry or run your hot water, to prevent iron sediment from getting into your water heater. If it is necessary to do laundry or otherwise run hot water, it is recommended that you use a stain remover or a regular detergent with the wash. Use of chlorine bleach is not recommended, as this could make the situation worse. Filtering or treating the water may remedy chronic or persistent iron-tinted water problems, however the Middleton Water Utility does not endorse specific filtering devices. If you decide to use a filtration or treatment device in your building we recommend use of a National Science Foundation (NSF) listed device. In addition, we strongly recommend that the device be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to maintain this type of equipment properly may make treatment ineffective and may create the potential for contamination of your drinking water.