John Danakas, spokesperson for the University of Manitoba, said that the water provided on campus has always met the Canadian Drinking Water Quality guidelines, whenever the university has conducted water quality testing.
However, this fails to explain the brown, sludgy water which was produced by a fountain in IQ’s on Feb. 23, and also calls into question other water quality standards, such as a fountain in University Centre which has green rusts spots in its sink, with the water tasting metallic.
Danakas said “Our drinking water is City of Winnipeg water. It is regularly tested by the city. [ . . . ] It is not unusual for turbidity to be identified in city water from time to time. Sediments in the supply lines will be agitated if there is a drop and rise in pressure.”
He explained there had been a recent failure in one of Winnipeg’s pumping stations, which could be the cause of the reported dirty water.
“Dirty water is normally localized and is due to a water main break or system construction/maintenance and is resolved by flushing [or] use of the water over time,” said Kelly
Kjartanson, of the City of Winnipeg Water and Waste Department.
“The U of M system is a private system connected to the city system, so U of M forces would have to carry out any localized response necessary such as flushing since they are responsible for the system. We can, of course, provide technical support and monitoring if requested.”
According to Health Canada’s website, “Water in nature is never ‘pure.’ It picks up bits and pieces of everything it comes into contact with. [ . . . ] Health Canada works with the provincial and territorial governments to develop guidelines that set out the maximum acceptable concentrations of these substances in drinking water.”
Danakas said, “There may be a biological load in a rarely used fountain or tap with an attached aerator. [ . . . ] The common advice for using a water fountain is to let it run for a little while before you drink from it.”
Kjartanson said, “We would advise customers to avoid use of the water for domestic purposes, drinking, laundry, etc., until it clears.”
Stephanie Crook, a third-year arts student said, “I only drink the water from the fountains in certain buildings. I bring a water bottle with me every day, but I am picky with which fountains I will use to fill it up. The water from a lot of them tastes metallic.”
Mychal Nemetcheck, a second-year Asper School of Business student said, “Sometimes [I use the fountains], but I usually carry a water bottle, so that’s just more convenient. I only don’t if there’s gum in them or something nasty like that.”
According to the City of Winnipeg’s website, “While dirty water may not be pleasant to look at, nothing new has been introduced to the water distribution system. Wait until the water is clear before you drink it [ . . . ] Dirty water conditions usually go away quickly when left alone.”
If students do notice abnormally unclear water, Danakas said they can report it to the U of M Environmental Health and Safety Office.
