Community Update: Village Water Quality Update
Village of Shorewood
Public Works Water Department
February 22, 2024
Recently the Village has received several alerts from residents of a cider color that is visible in water closets and basins. We wish to reassure you that we are aware of the situation and have confirmed via testing that the water quality standards are being met.
Twice a year, the Village performs hydrant flushing. When we flush the hydrants, mineral buildup on the inside of the mains is loosened and discharged from the flowing hydrants. This can cause a temporary amber tint to the water.
Over the last few days, there have been two occurrences we believe triggered a similar effect on our water system.
A fire in the 300 block of Buckingham Place on Saturday, February 17th, required the operation of several hydrants that would mimic our annual hydrant flushing. We also experienced a control issue for our wells on Monday, February 19th, which caused higher-than-normal water pressure in some parts of the system.
To address the situation, we will have several hydrants in the affected areas flowing slowly over the next two days to help clear out the colored water. The Village will also be changing our normal spring Village-wide hydrant flushing from May to March 18th.
Although the discolored water is not harmful to health, we encourage you to delay the laundering of whites for one or two days until the water clears. Our water quality is tested daily as it is pumped into the system, and it continues to meet or exceed State standards for water quality.
If you have any concerns, please contact our Public Works Water Department at (815) 553-2321.