Water Quality

Brown, red, orange, or yellow water is caused by iron in the water. The different colors can be attributed to varying concentrations of the iron in the water. There are two major sources that can cause water to be rusty: iron sediment in the water mains or the water pipes in your house, apartment, or business. Canton Water Department's annual flushing program normally removes any iron sediment accumulated in the mains serving the majority of our customers. However, in areas of low flow discoloration of the water can occur.

Unusual Flow of Water & Discoloration

If an unusual flow of water through the main occurs, the iron sediment can become disturbed and temporarily suspended in the water causing a brown, red, orange, or yellow color. Unusual water flows are commonly caused by a broken water main or by someone operating a fire hydrant nearby. The water may be discolored if there is a fire in your area or the fire department is exercising hydrants or the street sweepers are operating in your neighborhood. This type of disturbance usually lasts for approximately twenty-four hours after which time the sediment will settle out and the water will clear.

Not a Health Threat

This discolored water is not a health threat. If you, your child, or your pet happen to drink some of the discolored water, it will not make you sick. As iron can stain clothing, it is best to wait several hours for the water to clear before doing any laundry. Also, do not use any hot water as you may draw this water into your hot water tank, which may need to be flushed out later. 

If you were doing laundry when the water became discolored, and your white clothing is stained call 330-489-3315 or call 330-489-3035 to have an iron remover delivered to you. Do not use chlorine bleach to attempt to remove stains and do not heat dry stained clothing. After the water has cleared, rewash the stained clothing following the directions on the Iron remover container.

Origin Determination

The first step in solving a brown or yellow water problem is to determine its origin - is the problem is coming from your home/business's plumbing at some point after the water meter or is it coming from the water main.

Water Main

The following are some common indications that the problem is coming from the water main:

• The water was clear earlier but suddenly became discolored.
• Only the cold water is discolored.
• The water is discolored at all of the water faucets on the property and does not clear or improve after the water has been run for several minutes.

Customer's Plumbing

Some common indications that the problem is coming from the customer's plumbing include:

• The water is discolored every morning or when first used after several hours of disuse.
• The water clears after it has run for a few minutes.
• The discoloration is only at one or several faucets, but not all of them.
• The discoloration is only in the hot water.

If you are still not sure if the discolored water is due to your plumbing or if it's coming from the water main, do the following:

1. When you notice the water is discolored, turn off the faucet.
2. Immediately take a clean glass or a white bowl and go to the water faucet (hose bib) at the front of your house, apartment, or business. This faucet is usually near the main water shut-off valve for the property. Turn the water on wide-open and run it for a full two minutes. Check your watch - two minutes is a long time.
3. After two minutes, fill the glass or bowl with water.
4. If the water is clear at the front faucet, your plumbing is likely the problem. If the problem becomes chronic and the water supply at the front is always clear, you should consult a plumber. If the water at the front tap is discolored after running for two minutes, the problem is likely coming from the water main. Normally the rust will settle to the bottom of the water main and the water will clear within twenty-four hours. If the water is still discolored after twenty-four hours please call us at 330-489-3035.