Frequently Asked Questions about Discolored Water or Sulfur Odor
Why am I experiencing discolored water?
CFPUA has been using our emergency disconnects and wells on and off since the beginning of the raw
waterline break situation on Thursday, October 13. When water suddenly flows very fast or reverses
direction due to a water main break or maintenance work, sediment and deposits can be stirred up,
resulting in discoloration. Visible particles are generally an accumulation of iron.
Is discolored water safe to drink?
Yes. Discolored water contains an accumulation of sediment and/or deposits within pipes. Water
steadily flowing at an even pace in one direction does not disturb these deposits. However, if the water
suddenly flows very fast or reverses direction due to a water main break or maintenance work,
sediment and deposits can be stirred up, resulting in discoloration. Visible particles are generally an
accumulation of iron.
The water may not be aesthetically pleasing but it is safe to drink. The loosening of the sediment or
deposits will stop after we have restored the regular use of the water system; the water will then begin
to run clear. However, this could take several more days once the system returns to normal.
Are there any health concerns about drinking discolored water?
Discolored water is safe to drink for healthy individuals. However, individuals with compromised
immune systems (such as cancer patients undergoing treatment, HIV-positive individuals, transplant
recipients, seniors, and infants), should take any precautions they would normally take with regular tap
water and/or seek advice from their physician before consuming discolored water. CFPUA does not
recommend using the discolor water for the preparation of baby formula.
What about other activities that use water?
Discolored water is safe, so it can be used for human consumption and normal activities like showering,
flushing toilets, cleaning floors, etc. However, CFPUA does NOT recommend using discolored water to
do laundry. Clothing can get stained as a result of the discoloration. If you experience staining, do not
let the clothes dry and re-wash the clothes using a rust removal product. This type of product – found
under the brand name RIT – is available in the laundry section of most supermarkets.
Why am I experiencing a sulfur-like smell in my water?
Portions of CFPUA’s drinking water system are currently using emergency wells. The water supplied by
the wells has a different, but safe, composition than the water supplied by our two main drinking water
treatment plants.
Your water heater is interacting with the well water in a way that brings out a sulfur smell when it is in
use. The typical heat level inside of a water heater produces a reaction that reveals the smell.
The smell is not a sign of diminished quality; it is purely an aesthetic issue. The interaction is also
temporary. Once the water supply is returned to levels where we can stop the use of the emergency
wells, you will see the water return to its previous condition.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the smell?
If you want to reduce the smell, you can turn up the temperature of your water heater. Just a reminder,
however, increasing the temperature at your water heater will increase the temperature of your water
at the taps throughout your home or business.
How can CFPUA say the water is safe when I am smelling sulfur?
Chlorine, the key component of our water treatment process that ensures water quality, remains in the
water at a level necessary to keep it safe. The sulfur smell, while disconcerting, is not a signal of
diminished water quality.
CFPUA continues to rigorously test our water system and it remains in full compliance with our state and
federal regulators. We report test results to assure them that we are keeping our customers safe.
How is CFPUA making sure the water is safe to drink?
CFPUA’s Water Emergency Management Plan, which is used during incidents like this one, was
implemented with the full approval of the regional office of the Division of Environmental Quality, Public
Water Supply. CFPUA rigorously tests all of the water sources in use under the Water Emergency
Management Plan, including the five emergency well sites in use at this time. The chlorine residual in
the drinking water is at safe levels; the discoloration and odor issues are related to aesthetics only.
What is CFPUA doing to address water quality concerns?
CFPUA is continuing to manage our water system throughout this incident. We are fully aware of the
concerns being raised and are addressing them in compliance with our local and state regulators.
To report a water quality concern, please contact CFPUA’s Customer Service at 332-6550 and they will
forward the concern to our Water Quality team. Due to the incident, we are experiencing a higher level
of calls at this time. If you are unable to reach Customer Service by phone, you can email them at
[email protected].