Murky tap water safe to use

The Water Corporation has allayed residents’ concerns over brown water coming from taps in some Albany suburbs at the weekend.

Residents took to social media to express concerns about murky brown water and whether it was safe to drink or wash in.

Water Corporation Great Southern regional manager Adrian Stewart apologised for the inconvenience to households but said the water was safe for use.

“Discoloured water is caused by sediment in pipes being stirred up by changes in flow rates,” he said.

“This generally happens when the weather warms up and water use increases.

“The sediment is mostly iron and manganese, which occurs naturally in the groundwater that supplies this area and settles in the pipe over time.”

Mr Stewart said a routine pipe clean to dislodge and remove any sediment build-up in the pipes was carried out in McKail on Monday.

He said running the garden tap closest to the water meter for two minutes could help clear discoloured water from household pipes.