Brown water upsets Winnipegers

People in Winnipeg are upset that their water has been frequently discoloured and brown over this summer. A CBC report said that the city is investigating and that it is citing a range of factors, from water main breaks to drier than normal conditions. The city also said the problems could be due to someone withdrawing large amounts of water without having permission.

A large $300-million water treatment plant that can process 400 million litres a day was constructed adjacent to the Deacon reservoir approximately four years ago.

The city’s website explains: “Shoal Lake, our water source since 1919, contains algae, sediment and minerals which occur naturally in lake water. Before our new drinking water treatment plant started operating in December 2009, the material would settle on the bottom of the water pipes in the distribution system and form a lining inside the pipes. Although the drinking water treatment plant removes algae and sediment from the water, the buildup is still present in the water pipes. Whenever there is a change in the flow of water, the deposits may be disturbed, resulting in dirty or discoloured water.”

The city’s website advises residents not to use discoloured water for drinking, preparing food or laundry, but to let the water run until it clears, or then call 311.

CH2M HILL Canada was hired by the city last year to look into the problem.

To read the CBC report, click here.

For more information from the City of Winnipeg, click here.