Discolored water concerns rise
COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. (WKOW) — Residents in the Village of Cottage Grove say discolored water has been an issue for decades, and they believe it has become more frequent in recent years.
Jason DeGraff says he has dealt with brown water since moving to Cottage Grove more than three years ago. He says the issue has become more frequent and believes some instances may have happened around the time of nearby construction and water system work.
DeGraff says residents deserve more transparency about their drinking water and want to know what is causing the discoloration and whether it poses any risks.
“Whether we’re constructing a luxury apartment, an Amazon distribution center, you know, if we’re just shaking the pipes and getting some iron out of it, I’d like to know if that’s dangerous or not,” DeGraff said.
After complaints spread on social media, Village Trustee Paula Severson said she contacted village staff and the utility commission chair, asking the village to provide a public update as the issue is investigated. She then posted a response she received from the public works director, saying the discolored water could be related to routine fire hydrant flushing and that they have been responding to water quality concerns.
Mark Hazen says he has seen brown water in Cottage Grove since 2009. He later moved houses within the village and had the same issue at the new house. “I saw it again in my laundry or downstairs in my wash towel area,” Hazen said. “It was quite brown and happened a few different times. And of course, if you run the water for a while, it clears up. So again, I don’t know what causes it, but I know our water shouldn’t be brown.”
Nicholas Brown says he has spent thousands trying to address the problem. He has replaced all his faucets and shower heads and recently repaired his washing machine after noticing brown water filling it.
“When I did the repair on the washing machine, I saw the brown water, I’m like, well, no wonder why our clothes have this funk smell to it,” Brown said. “We’re getting brown water.”
He says the water issues have also led to buildup throughout his home. He says he has repeatedly flushed his water heater. He says he’s gone through four countertop ice makers in the past few years, each lasting about three to six months. He now brings water from filtered drinking fountains in Madison home to use for his ice makers.
“I don’t know if there’s minerals, rust in their system. I just cleaned my water softener two months ago, and the two mesh filters in that system were completely brown. Just disgusting.” said Brown.
The village’s public works department, village administrator and president have not responded to requests for comment.