Ruptured main causes discoloured water in North Kildonan

A contractor struck a water main in Winnipeg on Tuesday, causing brown water to pour from taps in the North Kildonan area, a City of Winnipeg spokesperson says.

The contractor caused a large break when he hit the watermain while working onBonner Avenue near De Vries Avenue, Michelle Finley, a City of Winnipeg communications officer, told CBC News.

Changes in water flowcan cause sediment in the water pipes to loosen and be released into the water, she said.

Finley said the city has received complaints from people in the area, but couldn't say for sure how many people had been affected or where.

"We apologize for the inconvenience to the public," Finley wrote in an email. "City crews have isolated this section of the water main and are working to repair the break."

Finleysaid most water main breaks are fixed within 24 hours but couldn't provide a specific timeline for the repairs. Discolouration may continue for a while after repairs are done, she added.

City Coun. Jeff Browaty, who represents the area, said the contractor was working on the construction of a new car wash on Bonner Avenue at the time of the accident.

"Hopefully it will be very short-lived," Browaty said.

The City of Winnipeg says on its websitepeople shouldn't drink discoloured water or use it to prepare food, but accidentally ingesting a small amount doesn't pose a health concern. It can also stain laundry.

If you have discoloured water, the city recommends running a cold water tap for a few minutes every half-hour or so. If it's still not clear after three hours, contact 311.