I would say, for the most part, where I live on the west side of North Adams, the water is pretty clean, except for occasional water main breaks in the winter.

This time, though, a water main break isn't the cause of dirty water after residents on Facebook reported that Veazie, Pleasant, East Quincy, and East Main streets have been experiencing dirty water issues.

red and gray fire hydrant beside sidewalk
Photo by Justin Meckes on Unsplash

How City Officials Identified the Problem

The Berkshire Eagle emailed Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who responded that an imbalance in the water filtration plant's system caused the dirty water. To flush the system, the Water Department opened some hydrants, which she said also contributed to the dirty water.

The good news is that all readings are back to normal as of Tuesday night. The Water Department continued flushing in the Mohawk Forest and Autumn Heights areas, which Macksey warned could cause dirty water.

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a faucet running water from a kitchen sink
Photo by Imani on Unsplash

What Should I Do If My Water Is Brown, and When Should I Call for Assistance?

If residents notice that their water remains discolored, officials recommend running cold water for a few minutes to thoroughly flush the household plumbing and help clear the discoloration until the water appears clean and clear.

If the discoloration continues to be visible for several hours, it is important to contact the Dispatch Center. You can reach them by calling 664-4944 and then selecting extension 1 to speak with the appropriate personnel for further instructions or assistance.

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