08/05/2025
August 5th, 2025
The Meyersdale Municipal Authority has been receiving complaints during the month of July concerning discolored water in the potable system. The issue is aesthetic in nature, meaning the consumption of the water does not pose a danger to health, welfare, and safety to the consumers. The water meets the portable water analytical criteria for consumption.
The discoloration, described as brownish, was caused by multiple incidents between the first week of May 2025 – July 2025, including the major flooding events that impacted Meyersdale and the surrounding area on the distribution system, subsurface and surface water sources with respects to the abnormally large rainfall events, flooding impacts on main line, and system-wide usage surges. These events stirred up naturally occurring minerals and sediment in the pipes, leading to the water appearance.
The discolored water experienced by property owners has been linked to main lines, laterals, and internal plumbing in the homes. According to PA D.E.P., property owners should flush their laterals and internal plumbing for at least 15 minutes with cold water and flush their hot water tanks. Flushing the main lines will not remove the discoloration from the laterals and internal plumbing in the homes. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to flush their lateral and internal plumbing.
The Meyersdale Municipal Authority is working diligently on this ongoing issue.