Why is my tap water rusty or reddish and what do I do about it?

When the water in the lines is agitated (for example from a large water main flush, road work, or hydrant use) this can stir up sediment (primarily iron) from the bottom of the water lines. In the course of normal maintenance, the hydrant flushing and water gate exercising can stir up this sediment.

If your tap water does appear reddish or rusty in color, it is recommended not to use your water for one hour, and then run the cold water at the lowest point in the house for several minutes. If water is still not clear, wait for another half hour then run the water for several minutes again. Repeat waiting for a half hour then run water for several minutes until water runs clear.

The water is still potable but the discoloration may affect the washing of clothes.

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1. How do I fill a pool using City of Livonia water? How do I calculate the cost?
2. Can I turn on or off my water service myself?
3. Can I have a separate meter installed for my sprinkler system to avoid sewage charges?
4. Why is my bill so high?
5. What is a turn-on / turn-off fee?
6. Why is my bill late?
7. Why does somebody have to come into my home and read my meter?
8. How will I know if there is a problem with my water?
9. Is filtered water safer than tap water to drink?
10. Why is my tap water rusty or reddish and what do I do about it?
11. Why is my water cloudy?
12. Is bottle water safer than tap water to drink?
13. When are appointments available for meter repairs and inspections, water turn on and turn off, final meter reads, etc.?
14. Should I purchase protection/insurance for possible future repair of my water service line?
15. What do I do if my sewer drain is backing up?
16. How do I fill a pool using City of Livonia water? How do I calculate the cost?
17. I don't understand my water bill. How can I learn to read it?
18. What components of my water delivery is the city responsible for maintaining and repairing?
19. Who do I contact if I need a meter repaired?
20. What components of my sewer disposal system is the city responsible for maintaining and repairing?
21. Why is my balance so low?
22. Why is my balance in parenthesis?
23. Why do I need to make an appointment if I received a blue card for no consumption and no one lives at the address?
24. Why is my meter read estimated?
25. What is a water quality report, and how do I get one?
26. I am having trouble paying my bill. What are my options?