Residents in parts of Greater Manchester were left shocked and confused as their tap water suddenly turned brown on Sunday, August 17. The discoloured water was reported in the WA3 and WN4 postcodes, affecting areas around Warrington and Wigan. Social media was quickly flooded with images showing baths and sinks tainted with brown sediment, leaving many concerned about the safety of their water.
What Happened to the Water?
According to United Utilities, the water discoloration was caused by a disturbance in the mains water system. Such disturbances can stir up historical sediment, including iron and manganese, that has built up over time in the pipes. The company assured residents that, while unappealing, the water is unlikely to pose any health risks and will settle down over time.
Local councillor Danny Fletcher shared a statement, saying, “I’ve met with United Utilities officers this evening. The issue is due to a disturbance in the water mains, which has stirred up old sediment in the pipes. Although it doesn’t look great, it’s unlikely to be harmful and should clear up soon.”
What Should Residents Do?
United Utilities advised affected residents to run their cold taps at a slight trickle until the water clears. This process helps flush out the disturbance more quickly. The company also apologized for the inconvenience, stating they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure water quality returns to normal as soon as possible.
One concerned resident took to social media to express worry over using the water, saying, “Oh sh**… I used the water in my baby’s bottles.” Others described their attempts to clear the water by running taps for over an hour, with little improvement initially.
Reassurance from United Utilities
In an official statement, United Utilities explained that events like these often happen after repairs or replacements to sections of water mains. While the visual appearance of the water may be alarming, experts confirm it doesn’t pose any significant health risks. More updates will be issued if necessary.
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