Akron officials say it’s OK for city water customers in Fairlawn and Copley and Bath townships to consume orange-tinted water after a large main broke in West Akron on Monday.
“Aesthetically it may not be attractive,” said Gregg Loesch, an engineer with Akron Water Distribution. “But biologically and for health reasons, it’s fine to drink.
“Believe it or not, even those pieces of rust are sterile because they are in the chlorinated water.”
A 43-year-old joint, surrounded by concrete and connected by machinery (not the toxic lead solder that has caused alarm in other cities’ water systems) failed near the intersection of West North and West streets Monday morning. City workers diverted the water through smaller transmission lines so a private company could begin repairs Tuesday.
Bypassing the leak allows for service to continue. But because more water is flowing through tighter spaces, increased line pressure could potentially kick up sand that has settled in the pipes or knock loose calcium scale or rust that builds up over time. Transmission lines are flushed yearly to removes such debris, though this pipe has not yet been cleaned this year.
After repairs are completed, Loesch said it could take anywhere from hours to days before sediment, if any is present, clears up. Some customers, who already have high water pressure, may see a slight drop off in pressure, “but nothing to worry about,” Loesch said.
Engineers say the water is safe for drinking, bathing and washing dishes in the affected area, which include Akron west of Aqueduct Street and north of Copley Road and all Akron water customers in Fairlawn, Copley and Bath.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Akron Water Distribution dispatch at 3390-375-2420.
Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @ABJDoug.
