The phone number provided to call with reports about pink water in Albany was previously incorrect. The correct number, which now appears below, is 518-767-2667 ext 221.

ALBANY - The city is urging residents to be cautious about doing laundry while a chemical that has turned drinking water pink washes through the system.

The Water Department insists the city's water is safe to drink and use for cooking and bathing in but the chemical - sodium permanganate - has tinted some water pink. City officials say the level of color in the water will depend on where a resident's home is located in the city's distribution system.

If residents notice their water is tinted they should avoid doing laundry for the time being, city officials said.

The city blames recent maintenance of the water system for infiltration of the inorganic compound into the water the city distributes.

The water department is in the process of clearing the system.

Sodium permanganate is used in the early stage of water treatment to control the taste and odor of the water. The water department says it helps remove color, iron and manganese and limits the formation of trihalomethane and haloacetic acids, which are byproducts of the chlorination process in drinking water.

The city says the recent maintenance work allowed some of sodium permanganate to pass through the water systems filters.

Anyone who discovers a pinkish tint to their water should call the Water Department plant operator at 518-767-2667 ext. 221.