Hydrant Flushing In Portsmouth, Middletown For Brown Water

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The Newport Water Division is flushing hydrants after discolored water was reported in parts of Middletown and Portsmouth.

The department determined that the discoloration was caused by high levels of manganese in the Lawton Valley Reservoir. The naturally occurring mineral can affect taste, color and odor in drinking water.

The affected area includes most of Middletown and the Portsmouth Water District. No Newport customers were affected.

After determining the source of the issue, the department switched the water supply to the Watson Reservoir in Little Compton, which has much improved the situation. To help speed up the process of clearing the discolored water from the system, the department has been flushing hydrants over the past two days.

"Newport Water apologizes for the inconvenience and is working to diligently to correct the situation," the department said.