Rusty water in the city's lines is caused by one of a number of occurrences, a water main break or a fire in the neighborhood, for example. Occasionally, there is time to warn people that they may experience rusty water in their pipes. Sometimes, it's an unpleasant surprise to all of us. When brown water comes out of the faucet, lots of questions come to mind. Here are the answers to the most-often asked questions about rusty water.

Rusty water occurs when there is a sudden and forceful change of pressure in the water fine. This pressure change can happen whenever there is a break in a fine, or when water is taken from the lines through a hydrant for fire suppression or street sweeping. These are common causes of rusty water, but not the only causes.

Tiny rust particles made of iron turn the water brown. Under normal conditions, these particles are undisturbed on the bottom of the pipes. When the pressure is disturbed, the water in the pipes flows much faster than normal. The sudden and forceful movement of the water picks the rust particles off the bottom of the pipe and mixes them into the water.

The water quality lab doesn't normally find any harmful bacteria in rusty water; however, the Department of Utilities does not recommend drinking it until it becomes clear again. A simple check for clarity is to fill a clear glass with water, then place the glass on a white piece of paper. This will make it easier to see if the water is still discolored.

If you are uncertain about the safety of the drinking water, please call the Division of Water Quality at 441-5678. Our laboratories will test the water for you at no charge. Usually, we are able to respond the same day.

 This is hard to predict because every situation is different. Normally, the water will clear in four to eight hours. You can help by flushing your commode every half hour or so until it runs clear.

WARNING: Do not use hot water until the rust Disappears. Using hot water will cause sediment to get into your water heater.

 Contact the Division of Water Distribution at 441-5226. We can bring you a chemical called "Rover" that will remove the rust stains from your laundry, if used as directed on the package. Do not add bleach; bleach will set the stains. We can normally get it to you the same day you request it.

When the Department of Utilities becomes aware of a major disturbance in Norfolk's water lines, the media is notified through a press release, which carries the warning of possible rusty water in certain areas. There are times, however, when the Department is not aware of the disturbance or of rusty water problems until customers report it. The Department still notifies the media in such cases, but the notification is after the fact.

Yes. As soon as the Department of Utilities is notified of rusty water in the city lines, crews begin locating the source of the problem and correcting it. Remember that it normally takes four to eight hours for the water to clear up. This time frame is due to natural forces beyond the Department's control.

For more information about the quality of Norfolk's drinking water, contact the Division of Water Quality at 441-5678. For other information about the Norfolk Department of Utilities, contact the Public Information Specialist at 664-6730.