CHUCK KUEPFER, Staff Reporter

Residents in Elmira and St. Jacobs are advised that maintenance to the local drinking water system may have an impact on the water they use.

The planned maintenance, which will occur Oct. 15 through Dec. 3, may affect water pressure, as well as the water taste and odour.

“We hope that there won’t be much of an impact whatsoever, but some might notice a slight change in pressure,” said Tim Walton, acting manager of water operations and maintenance for the region.

The routine maintenance includes rehabilitation of the municipal water tank on Howard Avenue in Elmira.

“The actual tank itself is being taken offline and painted on the inside and out,” said Walton.

The maintenance will include watermain flushing, and as a result, residents may notice water discolouration.

“This can lead to directional changes in the way that the water normally flows,” said Walton. “When the water changes direction in the watermain, there is potential for discoloured water. We hope that’s not the case, but it’s always a potential.”

Those who notice discolouration in their water are advised to discontinue use, wait an hour, then run the cold hard-water tap for about five minutes until the water clears.

“It’s a standard approach,” said Walton. “If you see discoloured water at one of your taps, shut it off and then go down to your laundry tub and run the laundry tub. You can take care of it right there.”

The water is safe for consumption once it clears. The region does not recommend drinking discoloured water.

Anyone who has questions or concerns about their drinking water during the maintenance period can contact Kathy Taylor 519-575-4757 ext. 3162 or kataylor@regionofwaterloo.ca. After hours contacts are Cynthia Lean, Township of Woolwich, 519-669-6041 or the Region of Waterloo SCADA control room, 519-571-6208.