Discolored water from some Minneapolis taps not a cause for worry

Residents in parts of south Minneapolis saw discolored water flowing from their taps Tuesday, but it's not a health hazard if consumed.

"We have been getting some reports of discolored water in the Washburn (High School) area today," said city spokesman Matt Laible.

Laible said the water is safe for drinking, bathing and cooking, explaining that the unusual hue "is from mineral deposits from inside the pipes" that are being dislodged as city crews work on a pump station in southwest Minneapolis.

"As part of that work, they needed to open some valves in the system that are normally closed," Laible added. "This sometimes causes minerals to be suspended in the water. This discoloration will settle down when the system flow is stabilized."

In the morning, crews were flushing some hydrants in the area to mitigate the discoloration.

PAUL WALSH