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WINNIPEG – It’s brown, tastes awful, and no one knows why.

Brown water has been flowing from city taps for months. The reason for the problem is still unknown, but one thing is clear: City officials now say don’t drink it, bathe in it, or clean dishes or clothes in it.

“The water is coloured but there aren’t bacteria and pathogens in the water that would make you sick,” said Diana Sacher, director of Winnipeg’s Water and Waste Department. “By no means are we encouraging people to drink the water — we’re telling people don’t drink that water.”

A University of Winnipeg researcher found rust, clay, silt, plant material and dead algae, although not harmful blue-green algae, in the water, but health officials say it’s not dangerous.

“Even if you drank that water, you should not get sick from it,” said Sacher.

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But city councillors say don’t risk it.

“No one wants to drink brown water. I wouldn’t drink it,” said St. Boniface Coun. Dan Vandal.

The brown water is also wrecking residents’ laundry, something the city might pay for.

“If you make a claim with the City of Winnipeg for damages occurred, our claims department will look at that, and if everything is legitimate, they will get reimbursed,” said Vandal.

Since the problem started in May, 311 has received more than 2,700 complaints, double the number received last summer.

“I think 1,800 residents in Charleswood and Whyte Ridge in my ward have complained to me about this problem,” said Coun. Paula Havixbeck.

The Water and Waste Department said it’s a summer problem that will likely go away soon.

“It’s not a new issue but what is concerning is there are more complaints than ever before,” said Vandal.

The city still wants to know where it’s happening and wants people with brown water to call 311 and take a sample.

“Often a customer will say, ‘I have an issue,’ ” said Sacher. “We get out there to get a sample and it’s cleared up. What we want is to get those water samples when it is still discoloured.”

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A consulting firm is investigating and will release its findings in a couple months.