Temporary discoloration of city water possible on, near campus

Temporary discoloration of water may be noticed by people on and near the Wake Forest campus during planned repairs to the City of Winston-Salem water distribution system within the next week.  The City announced May 11 that customers of its Utilities Division in the northwest quadrant of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County may notice temporary discoloration.

The City of Winston-Salem is taking its water tank on campus out of service Friday, May 13, while repairs are made to the City water distribution system.  It is expected to return to service by Friday, May 20. That same repair is prompting the closure of the University Parkway entrance from Tuesday, May 17, until Saturday, May 21.  All other campus entrances will operate as usual during the temporary closing of the University Parkway entrance.

“When the tank is taken out of service and placed back into service, changes in flow patterns in the water distribution system may temporarily result in discolored water that appears red, brown or yellow,” the City announced. “The affected area will be the northwest portion of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, west of U.S. 52 and north of Business 40. Wards potentially affected could include North, Northwest, West and portions of the Southwest.”

The City announced that citizens who experience discolored water should refrain from washing clothes the mornings of the changeovers as any discolored water could stain light-colored clothing. Although the water may appear discolored it remains safe.

To minimize the impact of this maintenance on customers, Utilities Division personnel will flush the water lines during the changeovers. Citizens can assist the Utilities Division by reporting discolored water to CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000. This will allow Utilities personnel to prioritize their flushing efforts.

Archives