Brown Water in Milford

A sharp uptick in water consumption has produced widespread water discoloration in Milford. The sudden increase in use has spurred , a private utility, to consider strengthening outdoor watering restrictions.

The brown water flowing out of taps since Wednesday has angered many customers of the Water Company, who are calling elected officials and the private utility company in frustration.

A Water Company manager said consumption is the root of the problem. Water use over the past two days is up nearly 1 million gallons a day, compared to typical use.

The heat, people being on vacation and at home, people watering their lawns and filling pools — despite all are factors in the spike in demand, said Bernie Marshall, operations manager for the Water Company.

"They have to understand that water restrictions are out there for a reason," he said.

The greater volume and speed of water passing through the system's aging pipes means sediment that would normally fall to the bottom is being swept through the system, and into homes, Marshall said. The same kind of thing happens when hydrants are flushed.

The brown color is caused by sediment, including iron, Marshall said. The color is a nuisance but poses no health risk, he said. The water will typically clear once sediment passes through a section of pipe, he said. Until the water clears, he said, wait on laundry.

The Water Company now has a Stage 2 Water Conservation program in place across town, which means that people are allowed to water landscaping and wash cars, but on odd-even days based on their street address. Customers also are restricted from watering during peak daytime hours, when water demand is up.

People should not violate the outdoor restrictions, he said. A certain water level needs to be maintained in the system tanks for fire protection and consumers. Anything more is being pumped from the Dilla Street station, he said.