Media statement 25 August 2003

Water discolouration in Belfast area

Some residents in the Belfast township area may notice some discolouration in their water today and for the next day or two, as a new pumping station is brought into service. The discolouration will be caused by rust in the new well that will have developed in the time between the well being sunk and being brought into full use.

City Water and Waste Unit Operations Manager Mike Bourke says that, in addition, the high flows and fluctuating pressures in the Belfast system during the commissioning of the new pumping station have disturbed sediments and clay in existing pipes and wells and added to the discolouration.

Council contractors are flushing the system as far as possible. However if residents notice that their water is discoloured they should run an outside tap and an inside cold water tap until the water clears. People are advised NOT to run their hot water until they have cleared their cold water, as doing so may put the discoloured water into their hot water systems, and these will take longer to clear.

Mike Bourke says the water will still be quite safe to drink; however samples have been taken to confirm this.

ENDS

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