Problem of discoloured water has mostly ended in West Elgin, Dutton Dunwich - West Lorne Chronicle

The problem of discoloured water from the faucets of residents in Rodney, West Lorne and Dutton has mostly ended after several weeks.

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Residents began to notice the discoloured water around Sept. 7. Many made the two municipalities aware of the brown coloured water and some complained of a sulphur-like smell coming from their taps.

But a Sept. 20 update from the Tri-County Water Treatment Plant said water conditions had improved and were returning to normal.

“As a result, residents should already see a significant improvement to water clarity and diminished odours to what may have been experienced recently,” it said. “The operator has started the lengthy process of flushing the distribution systems to assist in removing the discolouration from the system.”

The Municipality of West Elgin initially responded to concerns on Sept. 8 through social media. It said the discoloured water was caused by elevated concentrations of manganese and iron in Lake Erie. Both are “naturally occurring minerals present in source water, and weather conditions can impact the concentration of these minerals in the lake.”

West Elgin further noted: “Although unpleasant, the discolouration is an aesthetic issue only. The water is regularly tested by our drinking water operator, the Ontario Clean Water Agency and meets the provincial drinking water regulations set out by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks.”

A representative from the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich...

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