Utilities

FAQs

What hardness level should my softener be set to?

The City of Otsego’s source water varies from 10-17 grains per gallon with iron levels up to 1 mg/L.

The City recommends flushing out the home plumbing twice per year, or when water is discolored or carries an unpleasant odor. Please use the following steps.

If the home has a water softener, bypass it temporarily.

Remove any filters on the end of your faucets, if possible.

Open all cold-water faucets and let run for 5 minutes.

Following the above steps will result in removal of loose sediment from your water system and ensures high quality, fresh water for your home or business.

What is my drinking water quality?

Please find the most recent Water Quality Report here.

Why is my water rusty?

The City of Otsego’s water originates from deep water aquifers, several hundred feet deep. Well water is typically high in dissolved minerals; iron is our most predominant mineral with orange color variations and soft flakey texture.

The City of Otsego does not maintain a water treatment facility to remove background minerals however uses a polyphosphate to keep them in solution. Iron in our water is not a health concern but is very good at staining.

Common rusty water causes:

Watermain disturbance – water distribution lines build up accumulations over time, flow velocities through the pipe works can scour those accumulations and carry you’re your service line as water is drawn into your home. Actions that lead to this disruption include firefighting occurrences, construction work, new development pipe testing and hydrant flushing.
Oxidation – Water introduced to oxygen: 2Fe + 3O2’s forms FE2O3 or rust. Irrigation and splashing are examples of this reaction, noticeable where irrigation meets a sidewalk or siding and staining occurs.
Water age – polyphosphate deterioration will drop out iron over time. This can be noticed when a glass of water sits for several days, iron will come out solution and rest at the bottom of the glass.

The Utility Operations team flushes hydrants spring and fall to help remove any build up within the main lines. This high velocity water movement scours lining of City pipes and flushes out accumulations through a fire hydrant. Additionally, mixers are established in each Water Tower to keep water age uniform; water tower levels are seasonally adjusted to encourage frequent turnover resulting in fresher water.

If you are seeing rusty water:

Open several cold only water faucets until it clears. Larger flow faucets work best, and you should see the water clear up within 30 minutes.
Once the cold water is clear run hot water through the same taps to verify the hot water is clear. It’s generally recommended to flush hot water heaters routinely for maintenance benefits including any build up within the tank.
Additional things to check: softener for salt and iron filters for buildup. Iron in Well Water

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