Discolored Water Possible In Beachwood

BEACHWOOD, OH — Cleveland's eastern suburbs may see discolored water flowing from taps.

The discolored water is the result of hypoxic Lake Erie water entering the Nottingham Water Treatment Plan. Cleveland Water told customers the water is actually safe to drink. There is no boil advisory in effect.

Hypoxic water can contain elevated manganese levels. Manganese is a mineral which occurs in rocks, soil and many types of food. Its presence in water is mostly an aesthetic concern, the water department said.

The discoloration is temporary. Clear water is now running through the Nottingham Plant, Cleveland Water said. Crews will flush area hydrants to remove affected water.

The following communities may see discolored water:

• Beachwood,
• Euclid,
• Gates Mills,
• Highland Heights,
• Hunting Valley,
• Lyndhurst,
• Mayfield Heights,
• Mayfield Village,
• Pepper Pike,
• Richmond Heights,
• South Euclid

"If you experience discolored water, remember the water is safe to use; however, you should avoid doing laundry as staining may occur depending on how your laundry detergent reacts with the manganese in the water. Water may also have a slight metallic bitter taste which may increase if the water is used to make coffee," the water department said.

Customers who see discolored water in their taps should call Cleveland Water's Quality Line at 216-664-2639 or the 24-hour Emergency Line at 216-664-3060.

"Please provide your name, address, telephone number, and when the discoloration began. We are tracking discolored water complaints to strategically flush hydrants and have shifted much of the system load away from the Nottingham plant," the department said.