Some Montclair residents have been seeing brown water from the tap for the last few days. Montclair says it’s still safe to drink up Johnny (maybe Holly can create a cocktail that works with brown water — just think of the fun we could have naming it). Here’s the official word from Montclair:
After the recent earthquake and Hurricane Irene the Montclair Water Bureau is actively searching for possible water main leaks. Water main leaks accelerate the water velocity and can cause brown water. Water mains are pressurized so that water will leak out while nothing enters the main and the water remains safe. The brown tint people are seeing is iron or manganese — elements that settle out in the main and are put back into the water flow during high velocity occurrences (either an open hydrant or a leak). Although there may be some discoloration, the water is safe.
For more information, please contact the Montclair Water Bureau at 973-744-4600.
In other water woes, a reader sends us the following complaint about a Montclair water bill:
I sent in my $848.46 payment for 4/15-7/15/11 water charges. If that money wasn’t enough my payment due 8/30 arrived 2 days later at Water Bureau offices on 9/1 and now, I’ve received a Deliquent Notice for $12.90.
The billing date was 7/29/11 and although money was due 8/30/11 our tax-happy towners go back to the 7/29/11 date and charge an outrageous 18% late fee interest rate.
We not only can’t deduct this water charge (or our sewer charges) against taxes, but now we have to pay an 18% late fee when ten year US Treasurys provide less than 2% interest and have you noticed the one per cent interest now paid on savings accounts by our local banks.
Is the late-fee interest rate being used to provide extra staffing at The Montclair Water Bureau?
Oddly, I have had a fair number of instances in which I have paid water, or sewer or taxes and then months later get a delinquent notice claiming I haven’t paid. I sometimes wonder if they intentionally lose checks so they can collect more. I have called a number of times with check numbers and dates sent to try to have the charges removed, but to no avail. And of course the town is not set up for electronic transfers, I’ve asked about that as well. So every year I pay an additional “tax” in delinquent fees because someone loses my checks.
My water is still brown. It’s getting clearer, but it still has that lovely brownish tint. Any idea on how long it will take to clear up?
My water is brown. Oh, and the town happily charges 18% on delinquent water bills.
Same her with the brown water. Much better tonight than in the morning, but it’s brown.
The brown water is an upscale feature to give Montclair residents that Manhattan apartment vibe. If they clear the water, property values will drop!