The coming of spring means warm weather, increased rainfall and at MSU — red water.
Every spring, Infrastructure Planning and Facilitiesperforms routine maintenance which involves flushing any solids out of the piping system.
Robert Ellerhorst, director of utilities with IPF , said this is done in the spring when the ground thaws so the water can be re-absorbed into the ground.
“The red water is caused by dissolved iron from the ground water turning to solids during withdrawal and pumping operations,” Ellerhorst said.
He said high water flow in the morning influences the appearance of the red water.
“Red water is more apparent during the end of the school year with increasing frequency when higher morning water flows occur,” Ellerhorst said.
Students may think this water is not safe to drink, bathe in or use for laundry but Ellerhorst said it is harmless to ingestion and for sanitary reasons.
Kevin Rogers, second year law student, said he has lived in a residence hall for four years and experienced the struggles which come with red water.
“(It is) pretty gross when a bunch of red water sprays from the shower head,” Rogers said.
While drinking and bathing in the water is safe, people using laundry facilities on campus should be wary of their clothes becoming discolored during this time.
Rogers said he feels uncomfortable washing any of his white clothes while the maintenance is being performed.
“I think the most frustrating part of the red water alert is having to avoid washing my white laundry for an entire month,” Rogers said. “I can manage it if I have notice, but this year, the alert was given two days after the flushing had already started.”
Some students have already begun to experience the effects of the red water, while others have not had any issues.
Amanda Behrman, supply chain management freshman, said she has only experienced clean water at MSU so far.
“I was a little concerned (when I got the email alert) and shocked but I haven’t had any problems yet,” Behrman said.
IPF began flushing the well mains on March 30 and will continue until April 30.
