What are common water discolorations?

• If the water looks milky, this is probably caused by air and will dissipate with time.
• If the water is brown or orange, this is probably iron related.  You may need to drain your hot water heater or replace old iron pipes.  Or, your pipes may need to be flushed.  Also, this may be due to a single event, such as a main break or hydrant usage in your neighborhood.
• If there are black specs in the water, this is probably manganese; the line may need flushing.

Continued water discoloration problems may require investigation by the District staff to help the residents understand where the issue lies and any possible solution to it.

Please feel free to contact the Environmental Compliance Manager, Todd Melanson at (978) 256-2381 or by email.