St. Clair Township would like to remind residents that their tap water may occasionally appear yellowish or rusty coloured. We would like to reassure residents that the water remains safe, and provide context on why this occurs, how to clear it, and our long-term plan to address it.
Why Rusty Water Happens
- Sediment Buildup: Natural iron and manganese minerals slowly settle at the bottom of watermains over time.
- Watermain Flushing: Crews regularly flush hydrants at high speeds to clean out these mineral deposits.
- Fire Department Use: Emergency firefighting or hydrant testing draws massive amounts of water instantly, creating a scouring action that stirs up sediment.
- Watermain Repairs: When repairing a break, crews must isolate the affected pipe. This forces water to change directions through adjacent pipes, stirring up settled minerals.
- Pipe Material: While older iron pipes contribute to the issue, rusty water can occasionally occur in newer PVC pipes too, due to natural minerals travelling through the system.
Is the Water Safe?
- Health & Safety: Yes. The water remains safe, disinfected, and bacteriologically fully treated.
- Aesthetic Issue: The rust colour is simply visible iron sediment, not a toxic chemical contaminant.
- Taste & Odour: You may notice a slight metallic taste or odor until the system settles.
How to Clear Your Home’s Water
- Wait It Out: Stop using water for 30 to 60 minutes to let the street mains settle.
- Run Cold Taps: Open a cold water faucet – ideally a basement laundry tub or outdoor hose bib – for 2 minutes.
- Check Clarity: Once the water runs clear, you can safely resume normal water use.
- Avoid Hot Water: Do not use hot water while it is discoloured to prevent sediment from entering your water heater.
Long-Term Watermain Upgrades
- The Plan: We are systematically replacing all older cast iron and ductile iron watermains across the Township.
- Timeline: This is a substantial capital investment driven by our Asset Management Plan and will take several years to complete.
- A Note on PVC Pipes: Newer PVC pipes can still experience occasional rusty water because iron and minerals are naturally present in the drinking water.
Contact Us
If your water does not clear up after an extended period, please contact St. Clair Township Public Works so our staff can investigate the issue.