Discolored Cleveland water is considered safe

Cleveland, Ohio skyline

Cleveland, Ohio skyline

Cleveland residents were told today by the city's water department that the drinking water is considered safe to drink despite the water turning pink yesterday.

The pink water affected residents of Cleveland's downtown on Thursday as the city conducted routine maintenance on equipment.

"During these activities, potassium permanganate crystals were flushed into the plant's raw water at a higher concentration than normally used to aid in removing tastes and odors," Cleveland's water department said in a statement. "As a result, water plant operators have noticed a slight pink color to the treated water leaving the plant."

The city encouraged those who still had pink water to refrain washing clothes until the water turns clear.
The department added that residents should begin seeing the water becoming clear today.
Some residents said they were still avoiding drinking the water, despite the all clear from the city. Others thought the water was dyed pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


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