Riverside Drive area in Timmins may have discoloured water, low pressure Aug. 6 during valve test

Residents and businesses along Riverside Drive in Timmins — from the Mattagami River Bridge west to the outer limits of the municipal water system — may experience brown or rust-coloured tap water and/or low water pressure on Thursday, Aug. 6, starting at approximately 10:45 a.m., during a water valve test.

The advisory could affect households that rely on the municipal water system in that part of Riverside Drive. The City of Timmins says the issue, if it occurs, would be temporary and linked to scheduled water maintenance.

According to the city’s Environmental Services and Public Utilities Department, properties in the area may see discoloured water during the maintenance. The city recommends residents not drink discoloured water or use it for laundry.

The city says the discoloured water is not harmful to health, but it can stain laundry.

If tap water turns brown or rust-coloured, the city advises turning on the cold-water tap closest to the source — usually a laundry tub tap — and letting it run for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the colour returns to normal.

The city did not give an end time for the testing.