Duquesne residents deal with brown, discolored water

PITTSBURGH — Several residents in the City of Duquesne said they are dealing with brown, discolored water.

They told Channel 11 the problem has persisted for more than a year, with the water turning brown for sometimes days at a time.

"I don't buy light clothes anymore because they get stained and it doesn't come up," said Nickole Nesby. "It's like a rust."

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Daria Collins said the brown water has been coming into her home for two weeks.

"It cleared up Saturday but I'm still scared to drink it because it might clear up one minute and then it turns back to chocolate brown," she said.

City Manger Frank Piccolino said the brown water is safe to drink, and may be coming from a replaced water main on Auriles Street. The city is flushing hydrants to rectify the problem, he said, and warning residents there could be a stoppage in water service or even some more brown water.

Nesby, a mayoral candidate, still isn't ready to drink it.

"It's basically dealing with the health, the welfare of the residents as well as myself," she said. "I used to drink the water but now I buy it."

Piccolino said the city will help any resident who calls city hall for help, including flushing lines and inspecting homes for leaks.

Last year, tests showed Duquesne's water supply had high levels of TTHM, the same chemical mixture found in Flint, Michigan's water supply. The water was cleared in February and the city said no residents were in danger.

Cox Media Group