Reports of discolored tap water in Ogden have prompted city officials to engage a water consultant to investigate the issue. Residents have been reporting brownish water since at least February, raising concerns about the quality and safety of their drinking water. Mike McBride, spokesman for Mayor Ben Nadolski, acknowledged the pattern of complaints and confirmed that the city has hired Confluence Engineering to assess the situation.
The consultant’s work includes testing water samples, reviewing mineral levels, and evaluating the city’s water treatment practices. “They’re doing it all over the city, not just in this one spot,” McBride stated. This action follows a series of complaints that surfaced in February, May, and most recently this week.
The background of the water concerns includes a substantial $99 million pipeline project aimed at upgrading the 6.4-mile pipeline from the Pineview Reservoir, a primary source of Ogden’s drinking water. Initially, McBride suggested that the problems might stem from this project, but he has since retracted that statement, indicating that disturbances in the water system, referred to as “jarring,” may be the cause of the discoloration.
The recent reports of brown water surfaced near the site of a fire caused by fireworks on 9th Street and Maxwell Avenue, which destroyed a home. During firefighting efforts, the use of hydrants created significant water flow in the adjacent neighborhood, potentially dislodging mineral deposits in the water system. “We can’t say that it’s directly connected to the pipeline project, but it’s connected to jarring,” McBride clarified.
The situation has become a source of frustration for residents like Natalie Holt, who has experienced discolored water since January. Holt, who lives near the site of the recent fire, has resorted to purchasing bottled water for drinking while using tap water for laundry. She expressed her concerns about the discoloration, stating, “My toilet used to be spotless,” referring to the light yellow tint now visible.
Another resident, Jen Bambrough, echoed Holt’s concerns, describing the solution offered by the city—flushing hydrants every other day—as wasteful and ineffective. “There are homes in Ogden city that haven’t had sustainable, clean water for months,” Bambrough remarked, emphasizing the need for a more permanent solution.
While some residents remain hopeful, such as Kenneth Palkki, who reported a similar issue in May that has since resolved, many still worry about the implications of the ongoing pipeline project. City officials are actively addressing the issue and awaiting a comprehensive report from Confluence Engineering.
For residents experiencing problems with discolored water, McBride encouraged them to contact the Ogden City Water Division at 801-629-8321. He reassured the public that the water remains drinkable while city officials work to determine the precise cause of the discoloration.
