NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Public Services Department says there's nothing of concern in the brown water that's been coming out of taps around the city. 

 

The city's in the midst of its annual hydrant flushing, which is stirring up minerals in the water mains. 

 

"There is no impact to public health. The discoloration is due to naturally occurring minerals getting stirred up in the iron pipe of the water main," according to release from the Public Services Department.

 

"Residents may also 'self-flush' the line by turning on cold water, full-force from your bathtub faucet, until water runs clear again. This process should take about 15 minutes. After flushing, the micro-screen inside the faucet head may clog with fine sediment. It can be removed, cleaned and replaced."

 

Hydrant flushing is being done between the hours of 8 and midnight, Monday through Thursday. This may result in discolored water or temporary low water pressure in some areas. The city has  hundreds of hydrants so the flushing takes some time. 

 

The Department of Public Services flushes the hydrants annually to clear any sedimentation in the water lines, which allows water to run clear again.

 

If water is not clear after flushing for up to 60 minutes, call the Public Services Department at 413-662-3000, Ext. 3047.