Winnipegs brown water worst in 40 years, expert says

Its a problem that doesnt seem to be going awaybrown water coming from taps across the City of Winnipeg.

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City officials have been unable to say what exactly is causing the brown waterand why its happening in so many homes. Residents have been advised to let cold water run before using it, but theyve also been told the water is safe.

Tim Shanks is the City of Winnipegs water distribution engineer.On Thursday, he reiteratedthe brown water is safe.

"We have no indication whatsoever that theres any health concerns or safety issues with the water," he said.

Eva Pip is a toxicology professor at the University of Winnipeg. She has been studying water in the city for almost 40 years and said she cant remember a time when the citys water has been this bad.

Pip said she hasnt seen problems "as widespread and over such an extended period of time as what we are seeing now."

And despite what Shankes said, she doesnt think Winnipeggers should be drinking it.

"The composition of some of that silt can be quite complex, so you really dont know at any given time when you have that brown water coming out exactly what is in it," she said.

Pip said shes found organic matter like silt in the brown water, but she has also found clay and rust.

Last year, the City of Winnipeg hired an external consultant to look at the issue, but so far, they have no answers.

There are numerous theories about the causeeverything from increased construction to breaks in the pipes to water theft.

But Pip said she doesnt think water theft is to blame.

"If it is water theft, then it has to be a pretty widespread problem because it is occurring over such a variety of locations, so my own opinion is there must be other causes as well," she said.

Shanks said people are stealing water but, "We dont have any reason to believe it is a widespread or rampant problem."

The citys public works committee is scheduled to meet on the issue next week.