Beginning Monday, Feb. 20, some City of Loveland water customers began experiencing discolored water.
Please note that the city’s water supply is treated and has remained safe for consumption during this period and at present.
Public Works has determined the cause of the discoloration. The city’s water system is operated by software which, among many tasks, monitors the levels of our water towers and tanks. This software switches on pumps as needed to keep water towers and tanks at the appropriate levels.
Due to a power outage, the software failed to switch on the pumps to fill a water tower. The safeguard emergency notification, which triggers a call to the water plant operator, did not occur. Upon arrival to the plant for routine, daily tests, our operator observed the low tower level and immediately switched on the pumps to begin filling the tower.
This caused a disturbance in the water mains, stirring up sediment that lays within all water mains. This caused the now disturbed water to be sent out into the system. This water was treated and remained safe for consumption.
To combat the resulting discolored water, city crews then began opening hydrants to flush out the affected areas. Additionally, as a routine measure during periods of discolored water, Public Works notified the Southwest District of the Ohio EPA during the process.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 22, many households were reporting clear water back to normal conditions. Public Works anticipates discoloration should clear up shortly for any customers still experiencing issues.
This was an unfortunate chain of events that have been corrected so not to occur again. The City of Loveland has corrected the software issue and has added a backup modem, which is battery powered. Staff has tested the backup modem to ensure it is operating.
About the City of Loveland's Water System
The City of Loveland operates a ground-source water plant. The city’s water source is not supplied by the Ohio River. Before being pumped to consumers, the water is treated on site with chlorine and fluoride. Water quality is tested daily by licensed water plant operators. Learn more about the city's water services.