Announcement from DPS Water Division

UPDATE July 31: Over the weekend, a pre-oxidation pump in the Water Treatment Plant went down for a brief amount of time. This pump is used to treat manganese, and this led to greater manganese issues. If anyone is experiencing tinted water, we recommend running the cold water from either a first floor bath tub or outdoor sillcock, which will flush the system. The brown water should clear up within a day. 

You may have noticed some discoloration in your drinking water previously as well. This is caused by historical high levels of manganese in our supply. These levels are not a local problem, but are occurring in our region in general at this time.  

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral in the Newburyport Surface Water. It is present in the environment from weathering of natural sources like rock and soil. This is a result of excessive precipitation and runoff for this time of year.  

Newburyport continues to provide safe water to its residents well within all state and federal regulations.

While the Newburyport Water Division is treating the manganese to safe levels for human consumption, residents might encounter discolored water at certain times while there are increased traces of manganese.

If you did laundry and brown stains appeared, the Department of Public Services has a product that it offers for free that removes these stains. You can pick it up at the DPS Headquarters at 16A Perry Way, Newburyport.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Newburyport, Department of Public Services Water Division at 978-465-4466.