Montclair Residents: Is Your Water Discolored?

The Montclair Water Bureau said Thursday that residents may be seeing a discoloration of their water due to the delayed effects of both the recent earthquake and Hurricane Irene.

Officials emphasize, though, that the water is safe to drink.

Currently, the bureau is searching for possible water main leaks which could be accelerating the water velocity and causing brown water. Water mains are pressurized so that water will leak out while nothing enters the main and the water remains safe.

The brown tint people may be seeing is the result of higher-than-usual levels of iron or manganese—elements that settle out in the main and are put back into the water flow during high velocity occurrences (either an open hydrant or a leak). Although there may be some discoloration, the water is safe.

For more information, please contact the Montclair Water Bureau at (973) 744-4600.