The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) today will rehabilitate water lines in portions of Medford near Tufts, possibly causing water discoloration in buildings close to Boston Avenue and Packard Avenue that could affect students.
Chances are slim that most Tufts students will be bothered by the construction, but if water on campus is discolored, it will nonetheless be safe to drink.
The MWRA is in the process of rehabilitating various water lines in Medford. The city's water system is old and includes several connections and valves, according to MWRA spokesperson Ria Convery.
When working on isolated sections of the pipelines, workers redirect water through different pipes so as not to deprive residents of water. Sending water through a pipe in the opposite direction from which it usually flows causes discoloration, Convery told the Daily.
"Because the iron of the pipes goes with the flow of the water, sending it the reverse way uplifts the iron," she said.
"The likelihood is slim, but we always like to err on the side of caution," Convery added.
Tufts University Dining Services found out about the water line rehabilitation only recently, according to Associate Director of Dining Services Ralph Perrotto. Dining Services notified the Office of Residential Life and Learning (ResLife) about the water line construction but does not anticipate any significant problems on campus.
"With any luck, [ResLife will] be able to distribute notices to students and in laundry rooms, hopefully just so … students will be aware of the potential problem," Perrotto said. "We don't even know if it's going to affect us. But as I said, we only just learned about the work going on, so hopefully there won't be an issue."
If water discoloration does occur, the iron in the water which causes discoloration can stain laundry with a dull, reddish color, especially if it comes in contact with bleach, according to Convery. The water will nevertheless be safe for drinking, she said.
The amount of discoloration depends on how much water is used during the day. If water is constantly flowing, the effects will not be noticeable. If water is not used, however, iron will build up over time, resulting in some noticeable discoloration. Convery said that for those who do experience water discoloration, the change may last up to 48 hours.
Residents should check their water before drinking or doing laundry. Iron will likely come in a spurt as a faucet is opened, which will quickly clear up, according to the Medford Water Commission.
