As a follow-up to yesterday’s updates about the discolored water situation, we’re providing additional guidance below to common questions. We understand your frustration, apologize for the inconvenience, and greatly appreciate everyone’s patience as our teams work to address the issue.
The Weir River Water System is aware of and tracking the affected areas. Please do not contact Hingham or Hull emergency management teams about this issue. Please continue to reach out to WRWS at wrcs@veolia.com, operations@weirriverwater.com, or 877-253-6665.
How are we addressing the issue?
WRWS crews continue to strategically flush hydrants to remove the bulk of the discolored water from the water mains. The situation is improving in many areas.
Is the water safe to use and drink?
Our water was tested as recently as Wednesday and it passes MassDEP's Drinking Water Standards. WRWS tests the distribution system weekly for total coliform bacteria in accordance with MassDEP requirements for safe drinking water. Our most recent samples taken on June 19th were all absent of total coliform bacteria.
Although MassDEP has not identified a safety issue, we understand residents' concerns about using water if it continues to be discolored. We are in the process of procuring bottled water (gallon size) to make available for distribution in Hingham and Hull. We will update the public on this later today. Please note that we do not recommend that people use discolored water for baby formula due to the potential for increased manganese. Manganese levels in water coming from the treatment plant are well below MassDEP standards, but the tinted water color that people are seeing in their home service is mostly due to the mineral sediment (iron and manganese) in water mains that was stirred up by recent events. If your water continues to be discolored, we recommend taking the steps identified below.
How can I clear the discolored water from my house?
Although water delivered by WRWS may be getting clear, there could be sediment in your house pipes that continues to cause discoloration. After 5pm today, we recommend that residents who are still experiencing discolored water do the following in this particular order:
1. Run an outdoor spigot until that water runs clear. Turn off.
2. Run the cold faucet only in your tub until that water runs clear. Turn off.
3. Run the cold water in remaining faucets around your house after the tub faucet cleared. Turn off.
4. Once your cold water is clear, run the hot faucet only in the tub to clear the hot water. Turn off.
My clothes got stained in the laundry due to the discolored water. What can I do?
WRWS has a product called “Iron Out” that residents can use clean water-stained clothes. Please email operations@weirriverwater.com with the subject “Iron Out” to request a bottle.