Over the weekend, the City of Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities responded to approximately 30 calls regarding discolored water.

BOPU Spokesman Clint Bassett says a sudden increase in water use and the opening and closing of water system valves to accommodate the water use caused the discolored water. For approximately an hour Friday night and again on Saturday morning, water use in Cheyenne doubled. Water use increased from approximately 0.8 million gallons per hour to 1.6 million gallons per hour. This stirred up sediment and corrosion, resulting in the discolored water. Water department crews responded by strategically opening hydrants to flush the discolored water from the water mains.

Bassett says customers who experience discolored water should run cold water from a hose or faucet for 15 to 20 minutes. If the water doesn’t clear, call the water department’s emergency number at 637-6471. He says you should also avoid using hot water or doing laundry while the water is discolored. This will prevent sediment and minerals from being drawn into water heaters or onto clothes. When water flows clear again, normal water use may resume.

Bassett says while the discolored water is not Cheyenne’s usual standard of water quality, it continued to be safe.

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