About discoloured water

Discoloured water is a common occurrence in many water distribution systems. A change in the rate of flow of water in the distribution system can cause sediment and minerals within the water pipes (like manganese and iron) to loosen and be released into the water. The change in flow can happen during routine water main operations, or during increased water usage in hot weather. Between August 1 and October 31, 2013, the City experienced an unexpected increase in reports of discoloured water. The City has introduced a limited compensation program to assist qualifying residents whose laundry was damaged during this period.

None of the information reviewed indicates any concerns with bacteria in the discoloured water that could result in illness. As well, drinking water with minerals such as manganese and iron for a short period of time at the levels found in the water to date, is not known to pose a health risk. Occasionally test results in some locations may not meet drinking water quality standards. In these cases, we take corrective action immediately (e.g. retesting the water) to ensure our water remains safe. As discoloured water may taste, smell or look unpleasant, and can stain clothing, it is recommended that it not be used for any purpose that requires clean water, such as for drinking, preparing food or washing clothes.The City is taking every measure possible to reduce the occurrence of discoloured water and ensure that all residents receive clear, high-quality drinking water. For more information visit: www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/water/ www.wrha.mb.ca/healthinfo/news/2013/13100 3-city-drinking-water-continues-to-be-safe.php

RESIDENTIAL DISCOLOURED WATER

DAMAGED LAUNDRY LIMITED COMPENSATION PROGRAM

Winnipegs water quality

Winnipegs water remains safe to drink. The water: is tested at each step from Shoal Lake to the tap, using nationally accredited laboratories for the tests; meets the requirements of the Operating Licence issued by the Provincial Office of Drinking Water, Manitoba regulations, and the health and safety parameters in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Manitobas Office of Drinking Water, Manitoba Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority have reviewed the discoloured water sample findings.

For qualifying claims which have occurred between August 1, 2013, and October 31, 2013

November 20, 2013

Eligibility
To be eligible for compensation: 1. You must provide: the exact date and time of the discoloured water event; evidence that damage to your laundry is directly related to the Citys water supply; an itemized list of all damaged articles upon request; damaged articles for inspection upon request; and, evidence of the current cash value of the damaged articles (receipts) 2. The damage must: have rendered the items no longer useful; be consistent with similar reports of discoloured water on or near the date and location; have occurred between August 1, 2013, and October 31, 2013 and, have been reported to 311 within 14 days of the date of the discoloured water event. 3. The City will consider reasonable dry-cleaning receipts, or receipts for the purchase of specialized laundry products, as part of your compensation if you took steps to reduce the damage but were unsuccessful.

Conditions
The compensation program: is limited to a one-time only response, per household; will respond up to a maximum of $100 if all the eligibility criteria are met, including receipts; will respond up to a maximum of $50 ($5 per qualifying item) if no receipts are available, but all other eligibility criteria are met; may not be available to tenants of multi-unit buildings where the care and maintenance of high volume internal plumbing systems may have been a factor; will require that all damaged items become the property of the City of Winnipeg;

may take into account the age (depreciation) and condition (wear and tear) of the damaged items; is only available to claims relating to residential properties.

Claims process
All claims brought against the City are investigated without prejudice, taking into account the facts as presented. Once a decision is rendered, a release letter will be sent for signature. No further negotiations or consideration will follow, in relation to laundry affected by discoloured water. This program is strictly in response to damaged laundry claims relating to residential properties. All other claim reports of property damage related to discoloured water will be investigated and responded to by the Claims Branch in accordance with its standard adjusting practices.

City of Winnipeg Corporate Finance Department Risk Management Division, Claims Branch 185 King Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1J1 fax: 204-986-6132 email: 311@winnipeg.ca or claims@winnipeg.ca

November 20, 2013