Send this page to someone via email

The City of Winnipeg is working on changing the colour of your water.

In an announcement Friday, the city said it’s working on reducing the occurrence of ‘discoloured water events’ by changing one of the products used in Winnipeg’s water treatment process.

“We expect discoloured water events to decline in 2019 compared to previous years,” said Water Services manager Tim Shanks. Tweet This

“However, it is difficult to predict how long it will take to see a major reduction.”

READ MORE: Brown water affecting residents of southwest Winnipeg

By the end of the year, the coagulant in the city’s water treatment process – which is used to help particles in the water stick together so they’re easier to remove – will be switched from ferric chloride to ferric sulfate.

Story continues below advertisement

The City of #Winnipeg is working to reduce discoloured water occurrences with a change to the water treatment process: https://t.co/38fklKMFT7 pic.twitter.com/JLX3jOazSb — City of Winnipeg (@cityofwinnipeg) November 16, 2018

The change was recommended in a consultant’s report on discoloured water, and the new coagulant was chosen after a multi-year study.

The city has already tested ferric sulfate for more than a year in a pilot water treatment plant.

WATCH: ‘Temporary discolouration’ expected near downtown water main break

0:52 ‘Temporary discolouration’ expected near downtown water main break ‘Temporary discolouration’ expected near downtown water main break