Brown water in West Seattle? 2 possible reasons

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks to Marlene for the tip that some City View residents are experiencing brown/discolored water because of a pump-house problem. We checked with Sabrina Register at Seattle Public Utilities; she tells us that as is usual in such cases, the water is safe to use, just doesn’t look so great. She said the problem’s believed to be limited to “a few blocks” and crews are working on it. She also mentioned a reason some other areas of West Seattle might experience discolored water tonight or tomorrow night – overnight hydrant testing in two areas, California between Admiral and Lander, and 35th SW between Barton and Henderson. P.S. The general advice on dealing with water discoloration is here.

Sam October 22, 2019 (7:47 am)

We saw them testing the hydrant at 33rd and SW Hinds last night which may effect the water in this area.

anonyme October 22, 2019 (3:25 pm)

I can’t imagine anything that would turn water brown being safe to drink. If it is, SPU needs to let consumers know exactly what that substance is so that people can decide for themselves if they want to drink it or not.

WSB October 22, 2019 (4:43 pm)

We have reported on that extensively. The “sediment” is rust.

Question Authority October 22, 2019 (6:04 pm)

For those who need help visualizing how rust builds up in a water pipe, just think of your arteries after a life of fast food and extra servings of cheese. Rust won’t hurt you, it just adds iron to your blood so chill out.

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