Staten Islanders warned about discolored water from tap

Jan 28, 2024

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island residents may be experiencing discolored tap water, officials said.

The city Department of Environmental Protection announced the conditions in a tweet from the NYC Water official account.

The agency is continuing to investigate the cause of the discolored water, a spokesman told the Advance/SILive.com, but "the priority is flushing any remaining discolored water from the system by opening fire hydrants."

"Though it's not harmful, people should avoid consuming obviously discolored water," the spokesman said. "If residents are continuing to see any discolored water they should report it to 311 so DEP can address it — and they can run their tap until the water runs clear and cold."

On the website for city DEP, possible reasons for discolored water vary from a disturbance at nearby water mains, nearby construction or the use of fire hydrants for firefighting.

"Discoloration is a temporary condition most often from iron and manganese particles that have settled to the bottom of the water pipes buried under the roadways," the website explains. "Any sudden change in the flow of water within the pipes or outside vibration, may loosen or re-suspend the brownish/red/orange particles of iron into the water. This temporary problem is generally resolved or reduced when our field staff flush water from nearby hydrants."

Some on #StatenIsland may be seeing discolored water at the tap. While not harmful, avoid consuming discolored water. We are flushing the system to clear things up. Run your tap until the water is clear and cold. Thanks for your patience!

According to Islanders who reached out to the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com to report the issue, the local water has been murky for several days.

"I’m concerned because there was no notice that there was something happening to the water," said a Dongan Hills resident who wished to remain anonymous.

—

RELATED COVERAGE: Latest Staten Island news

>> Fake gun sparks large NYPD response at Tottenville HS on Staten Island: 16-year-old taken in for questioning by police

>> Police respond to Curtis High School on Staten Island on Wednesday; students sheltered-in as a precaution

>> NYPD: Man, 75, reported missing from Elm Park

>> NYPD: Boy, 13, reported missing after leaving home for Staten Island Railway station

>> Mob attempting to gain influence with NYC nonunion construction contractors: Report

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.