Lindsay Water Discoloration May 28 - June 1, 2010
As a follow up to the press release of May 31, 2010 pertaining to the discoloration of water in the Lindsay distribution system. The press release indicated that although the water was discolored it did meet Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Health criteria for health related bacteriological parameters and the standard for chlorination. In the press release it was mentioned that the exact cause of the discoloration was being investigated however it was expected that the cause was naturally occurring iron and manganese. Since the time of the press release additional review and investigations into the matter have been undertaken by staff as well as our suppliers of water treatment chemicals and we are now in a better position to confirm the facts of the occurrence as well as take steps to prevent similar situations from re-occurring. This memo is therefore intended to update residents on the facts around the event that occurred and measures being taken to prevent re-occurrence.
It was confirmed that the discoloration was in fact related to iron and manganese two common naturally occurring minerals in water that can cause discoloration (yellow and dark brown) under certain circumstances. In normal situations these minerals remain in solution. It was determined that due to adjustments in the water treatment process the iron and manganese normally in solution precipitated out in fine particulates causing the discoloration. Again we re-iterate that this was not a health concern. As a result of this event considerable focus was spent on re-adjusting the plant processes to reduce the reaction. By Tuesday June 1st the treated water leaving the plant was back to normal.
Although the City continues to optimize the treatment process additional procedures are being put in place to reduce the likelihood of a similar event from occurring.
