Mayor Addresses Water Discoloration in Hamden

HAMDEN, CT – Town officials are consulting with the Regional Water Authority, the Quinnipiack Valley Health Department and the State Department of Public Health, after water discoloration reported in several areas throughout Hamden on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Mayor Curt Balzano Leng.

Leng was disappointed with the information, or lack thereof, that was presented to the public when the issue was first reported on Tuesday.

“While I do not believe this to be a serious health concern or cause for panic, I was disappointed with the lack of clarity of information and outreach made to the public yesterday,” Leng said in a statement. “Specifically, the RWA & the Health Director advised against ingesting the discolored water. This information was not extended to our population as effectively as our residents deserve. I'm confident this will be handled and communicated better today and moving forward.

“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of all agencies involved working to ensure that our water is clean and safe and that our residents are properly informed with accurate, consistent and regularly updated information.”

According to the RWA, the minerals that caused the issue included iron and manganese. They have reported that concentration levels are both below cautionary EPA standards.

The RWA has posted the following on their website:

"Customers in Hamden and North Haven may still be experiencing discolored water as a result of a problem with a valve on Tuesday. If so, email us at ask.info@rwater.com so we can dispatch a crew to flush water lines in your neighborhood. Discolored water comes from naturally occurring minerals in the pipe that are stirred up following activity that has disturbed the direction or rate of flow in the water main. When this happens, the water may be unappealing, so we recommend that you wait until it clears before drinking it and washing laundry."

Leng has requested copies of water test reports and has asked the Health Department to coordinate review of same.

The Health Department has advised against ingesting water with any discoloration for drinking or cooking. In addition, Leng has asked RWA & QVHD to gather more information on water testing completed/planned and to report results to keep the public as informed as possible.

Residents with questions or concerns regarding water quality relating mineral sediment, may contact the Department of Public Health Drinking Water Section at (860) 509-7333.

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