CLEVELAND, April 26, 2006 - As a result of the power outage Cleveland experienced in 2003, the City of Cleveland Division of Water has recently installed new emergency generators. Our crews have already installed several generators in five area water facilities. Emergency generators will be started up at the Parma Pump Station this Wednesday, April 26 beginning at 11:00 PM and ending around 4:00 AM. The areas that may be impacted are customers in Parma and Parma Heights.

At startup, the crews will simulate power failures. As part of the test procedure, pumping of water will be briefly interrupted. When pumping resumes, the sudden change in flow may disturb sediments in the pipe wall. If sediments are stirred up, water may turn red or brown due to discoloration caused by iron in old water mains. Though unpleasant, such water is not contaminated.

The Division of Water is taking every precaution to mitigate impacts on our customers. Customers who experience “red” water should flush faucets until the water clears.

If you experience a continuance of discolored water, please call the Cleveland Division of Water 24-hr Trouble Line at (216) 664-3060.