Reports of discolored tap water in Ogden have led city officials to engage the services of a water consultant. Residents have expressed concerns about brownish water that has surfaced intermittently since at least February. Mike McBride, spokesperson for Mayor Ben Nadolski, acknowledged the growing frequency of these reports, stating, “We recognize that there’s been more of a pattern of this happening in recent months.”
In response to these concerns, Ogden City has hired Confluence Engineering to investigate the issue. The consultant’s efforts include analyzing water samples, assessing mineral levels, and reviewing the city’s water treatment practices. McBride emphasized that the investigation is comprehensive, stating, “They’re doing it all over the city, not just in this one spot.”
The first complaints about discolored water emerged in February, coinciding with a significant $99 million pipeline project aimed at upgrading a 6.4-mile pipeline from the Pineview Reservoir, a primary source of drinking water for Ogden, through Ogden Canyon. Initially, McBride linked the discoloration to this project, but he later suggested that recent disturbances in the water system might be the cause. He explained that “jarring” from heavy water flows could dislodge minerals, resulting in the brownish hue.
Incidents involving firefighters using hydrants during a recent fire near 9th Street and Maxwell Avenue have also been cited as possible contributors to the discoloration. The intense water flow required to extinguish the blaze involved 22 firefighting units, which may have resulted in disturbances within the water network. “We can’t say that it’s directly connected to the pipeline project, but it’s connected to jarring,” McBride clarified.
Additionally, a water district in Weber County has undertaken large-scale flushing of its water systems. McBride noted that this could have further contributed to the jarring effect and subsequent mineral displacement. While the reported cases of discolored water have been described as “isolated,” most complaints have come from areas north of 12th Street. Residents have expressed frustration, noting that the city’s response has primarily involved flushing hydrants, which they argue is an inefficient solution.
Natalie Holt, an Ogden resident affected by the issue, voiced her dissatisfaction. Living near the site of the recent fire, she has experienced discolored water since January. “We thought the issues would go away, but now we’re concerned this is never going away,” Holt remarked. She has resorted to purchasing bottled water for drinking while using tap water for laundry, which has resulted in discoloration of her white towels.
Another resident, Jen Bambrough, echoed Holt’s concerns, stating, “There are homes in Ogden city that haven’t had sustainable, clean water for months.” She criticized the city’s approach, arguing that frequent hydrant flushing is wasteful and ineffective. Both women fear that the ongoing pipeline project may prolong their water quality issues for years to come.
On a more positive note, some residents have reported improvements. Kenneth Palkki mentioned that he experienced brownish water in May, but the issue resolved without explanation. “Our water has been OK,” he stated.
As the city continues to address these concerns, McBride reassured residents that officials are actively seeking solutions and awaiting the consultant’s findings. Ogden water users are encouraged to report any water quality issues to the Ogden City Water Division at 801-629-8321.
