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City addresses concerns of "cloudy" tap water

[Duluth, MN] – The City of Duluth has recently received calls from residents who reported their tap water was cloudy. City Utility Operations staff confirms that no substances exist in the water system that would have caused any discoloration and that the water poses no health hazards. City staff attributes the cloudy water to air that gets trapped in the pipes from the multiple water main repairs that have occurred in the Duluth Heights and Miller Hill Mall area.    

Several repairs took place along Arrowhead Road, Central Entrance, and at the Highland Pump Station resulting in the need to dig up water mains, all in fairly close proximity. Air typically gets trapped inside the pipes when a water main is being exposed for repair. With the multitude of recent repairs, more air than usual entered the water system. Once a water main is repaired and the water turned back on, the pressure forces the trapped air to disperse thereby forming miniscule bubbles when water is dispensed from the tap. Water will reach full clarity if left to stand for a minute or so.

Cloudy water is a temporary and harmless after effect of multiple water main repairs, which Duluth has recently experienced. City staff has worked hard to address repairs in a timely manner without disruption of water service to customers. The City is committed to providing clean, safe and reliable water service.

Residents with general questions about their water service can contact the City’s Utility Operations office at (218) 730-4130.