Pittsville’s water is yellow but safe as repairs continue

PITTSVILLE, Md. — Pittsville residents are experiencing issues with yellow and brown-colored water once again.

Town Manager Joseph Mangini said the water is completely safe to use, but as repairs at the water plant continue and new pipes are being connected, sediment can get stirred up, causing the discoloration.

He said residents can expect this to continue as long as construction does. “The issue, though, is that it may be happening again because each time we go and do special repair work on the plant that requires a local shutdown, the people are still getting water. But because of all the activity, the water gets stirred up, and the pipeline gets stirred up, creating the color. But everybody is doing everything we possibly can.”

He reassured residents not to panic. If you’re concerned and would like town officials to conduct a water test, you can reach out, and they will do a check.

“I understand that when you see clear water coming out, then the next day it doesn’t look so clear,” Mangini said. “I can see whether it’s weather issues or why people might get concerned. So we are also going to attempt to set up a communication network so that when we anticipate the water might change color, we can get the message out to everybody so that everyone doesn’t panic at the same time.”

He added that if there are any concerns, residents should reach out. “They need to call the town hall number, 412-835-8872. We will then contact the water operators to let them know what’s going on. But I’m pretty confident, having gone through this several times already, that once this plant is up and running, which we hope will be by Christmas, all the work will be done.”