Tap water turns cloudy in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Niagara Falls Water Board says residents have nothing to fear, despite water coming out of the taps discolored.

The board says crews have been exercising valves around 24th and Adam Streets in preparation for a scheduled shutdown and water main connection at Buffalo Avenue and 53rd Street as part of a road reconstruction project. Opening the valves has caused some of the water to be redirected, which the board says is causing the cloudiness in residents' water.

Brian Gould of E3Communications released a statement on behalf of the board, which reads in part, "To help alleviate the problem, officials are on site and flushing hydrants in the area where some discoloration of tap water is occurring. Customers can also run the cold water tap from the lowest point of their residence or business for up to three minutes or until the water runs clear. Should the discoloration persist, customers can call 283-9770. Officials have also notified the county health department; however, water quality should not be compromised during this incident and is totally safe for consumption."