Water in the town of Hillsborough is still safe to drink and use despite temporary discoloration. According to the town, recent storm bursts and low flow in the Eno River likely caused unusually high sediment levels in raw water reaching the treatment plant.

Rain stirs up sediment in the town’s water sources, such as the river, leading to elevated levels of iron and manganese, neither of which are dangerous. Hillsborough reported on Friday that manganese levels in the water were elevated for several hours, but had returned to near-normal levels by 3 p.m.

Hillsborough takes its raw water directly from the Eno River, meaning the town is more susceptible to sudden changes than if it were drawing from a reservoir.

Utility crews in Hillsborough are draining some of the discolored water from storage and releasing water from hydrants where issues have been reported. The town also said its water treatment plan would raise chlorine levels slightly to combat the manganese.

In the meantime, the town recommends customers to run cold water in a bathtub for a few minutes to clear it. If discoloration persists, flushing of water lines is recommended. Washing of light-colored fabrics is being discouraged until the discoloration is completely gone. The Hillsborough Water Treatment Plant can be reached at 919-732-3621.

For more information about water system flushing, click here.

 

Featured image via Visit Hillsborough

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