That Rusty Water Color is Normal, Birmingham

Marianne Gamboa, a public relations specialist with the City of Birmingham, and other city staff are ready. Just about this time every year they begin to get calls from residents complaining about brown or rusty water. 

The response is universal and simple: it's completely normal.

Beginning May 1, the Birmingham Fire Department starts its annual round of fire hydrant flow tests, to insure the city can provide the flow pressure and volume necessary. Residences and businesses in the immediate areas can expect some water to appear rust colored for a short time, officials said in a news release issued Wednesday.

The city urges residents to consider the following:

• The rust-colored water is not a health risk.
• To clear the problem, run the water for 15-20 minutes. However, do not use hot water; this will prevent rusty water from entering your hot water tank.
• If the water does not clear up, contact the city's Water Department at the Department of Public Services, 248-530-1700.
• If the rusty water affects your laundry, you may purchase oxalic acid or other commercial products for taking rust out of clothes from area drugstores and hardware stores.

The department test about one-third of the city's hydrants annually. This year, the city will focus on hydrants on the city's southern end, between South Cranbrook and Southfield roads, and the area south of Lincoln Road to the city's border on 14 Mile Road.

Testing is planned Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Flow testing will not occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.