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Brown water in Lakeside now green, neighbors report

Posted at 7:20 AM, Apr 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-27 10:57:34-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- The brown water that flowed from taps in Lakeside Monday and Tuesday has now turned green, according to residents.

A representative from the Henrico County Department of Public Utilities after-hours hotline confirmed they have received multiple calls regarding green colored water pouring from faucets Wednesday morning.

"The water in Lakeside appears to be clear, based on what crews are seeing as hydrants continue to be flushed. In addition, chlorine levels are testing at acceptable levels. The water remains safe to drink and use for showering, laundry, washing dishes, etc," Henrico County spokesman Will Jones said. "The Department of Public Utilities received calls overnight from two customers who reported greenish water. One of the callers did not leave an address so DPU has been unable to follow up. The other caller has since reported her water is clear. DPU continues to flush lines in the area. Customers should call 727-8700 if their water is not clear."

DPU said Monday and Tuesday's brown water was not a public health concern.

“Drinking water in the Lakeside area appears to have returned to normal after extensive flushing by the Henrico County Department of Public Utilities (DPU). DPU has received no reports of discolored water since before noon,” the DPU spokesperson said.

Tuesday morning the DPU spokesperson said the brown water was not a public-health concern and was a result of sediment and rust in the pipes following utilities work in the area earlier Monday.

DPU said crews continue to monitor water quality and will flush lines in the area throughout the night as a precaution. Customers may report any problems by calling 804-727-8700.

Lakeside is no Flint, brown water ‘not a health concern’

The brown water was noticed in the areas of Staples Mill and Hermitage roads.

"DPU has begun flushing the lines to clear the sediment and rust. Customers also may turn on their cold water at full force for about 20 minutes if they currently have discolored water," the spokesperson said. "DPU expects water to return to normal today."

Henrico DPU director Arthur Petrini said what happened in Lakeside is not similar to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

"The water discoloration is not related to the water-pipe corrosion and health issues as reported in Flint, Michigan," Petrini said. "Henrico County water is not corrosive, and the water plant adds the proper chemicals to properly condition the water. Our water is tested for lead and copper, and the water meets all state and federal requirements."

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