Skip to content

Discoloured water in city's north end due to hydrant operation

There are no negative health impacts with discoloured water, according to the City of Stratford's website
watertap2
stock photo.

If your water is looking discoloured it may be due to some recent work by the Stratford Fire Department.  

Numerous residents in the northwest end of Stratford, including Forman Avenue and Briarhill Drive, have made reports about discoloured water. 

This is likely the result of a hydrant operation by the fire department, City of Stratford posted on social media.

When watermains are disturbed by things such as hydrant flushing, the naturally occurring iron deposits in the system may be stirred up and temporarily enter the water stream, causing the discolouration.

There are no negative health impacts with discoloured water, according to the city’s website. 

If you are experiencing discoloured water, here are some steps to clear it, according to the city. 

  • Run the cold water for 10 to 15 minutes until it clears.
  • If the water doesn’t clear in that time, turn the tap off and wait 30 minutes.
  • Run the cold water again for 10 to 15 minutes until it clears.
  • Repeat these steps if necessary.

For more information about discoloured water, visit the city's website.