Rusty Water

It is important to note that when rusty water is experienced it is normally not a health concern but one of aesthetic quality.

In general, rusty-brown, orange, or light yellow water can be caused by a variety of reasons including:

• Water main breaks
• Fire fighting operations
• Hydrant flushing or broken hydrants (check the flushing schedule)
• Street sweeping
• Construction work or damage
• System depressurizations
• Routine maintenance
• Corroding iron pipes. For more information, please view our Understanding Lead and Drinking Water page.

Normally rusty water events dissipate in 4-6 hours but could last longer depending on water usage in the area.

If the event lasts more than 24 hours please call our distribution group at 614-645-7788.

If you are experiencing rusty water:

• Do not run your water until it turns clear.
  It is of little to no value to do so and is wasteful and costly to you as a consumer.
• Use of hot water should be kept to a minimum, as it will draw cold rusty water into your hot water tank. If your hot water tank does have rust in it, use caution and follow the manufacturer's directions for shutting down, draining, and re-starting your hot water tank.
• Do not wash laundry. Clothing washed in rusty water can become stained. If this occurs, it is important to not dry the clothing. Instead, leave the wet clothing in the washer and apply an iron removal product as soon as possible to prevent the iron stain from setting. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions.

For information about temporary hydrant use, permits or other hydrant contact information (report leaking hydrants, etc), visit our main Fire Hydrants page.