Water Resources Department Addresses Water Quality Concerns

System changes triggered by separate maintenance operations may have affected the water quality of some City Water Resources Department customers in recent days. While customers have reported changes to their water's taste, City Water Resources Director Mike Borchers said the City's water remains safe for consumption.

"We've received 15 to 20 calls in recent days from customers located mostly in the central part of the city," Borchers said. "These numbers are higher than usual and can be attributed to maintenance from one of our suppliers."

On Tuesday, September 22, Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority (PTRWA) stopped water service to Greensboro to repair the transmission line that carries water to the city. PTRWA fully restored service the following day. The interruption had a ripple effect on the distribution system and, in turn, on customers served by the City's Mitchell Treatment Plant.

Last Thursday, September 17, the department started maintenance work on a storage tank in the eastern part of the City, which altered normal operations. Department staff completed the regularly scheduled project on Thursday, September 24.

"Any time there is a significant disturbance to the system, there's potential for a change in water quality," Borchers said. "Such disruptions can impact water pressure and stir up sediment built up in pipes, which can alter the water's taste, smell, and appearance."

The department had three "flushing" crews working through Thursday night to service areas reporting changes in water quality. Impacted customers should run cold water for a few minutes through a faucet without an aerator, such as an outside spigot or the bathtub, until quality improves.

Residents may also report water and sewer emergencies, including main breaks and sewer stoppages, to Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch at 336-373-2033.