The culprit could have been construction work or some folks looking to cool off quick – but either way, a number of reports of discolored water filling sinks, toilets and tubs in Branford homes reached the Regional Water Authority (RWA) beginnning the second week of June, and unauthorized openings of hydrants are believed to have caused the problem.

With a heat wave and the potential for an extended dry spell forecasted, the RWA is proactively reminding Branford residents not to open fire hydrants as well as to try to conserve water. The authority has also shared some tips on what to do if water in your home doesn't run clear.

RWA press spokesperson Dan Doyle told Zip06/The Sound the RWA was first made aware of "several" fire hydrants, for reasons unknown, which had been opened without RWA authorization in Branford earlier in June. The timing of the opened hydrants coincided with a spike in reports from residents calling into the RWA after finding discolored water coming out of their taps.

"Some of it can be caused by very high water use," said Doyle of the discoloration. "But we also had an instance in which there were several fire hydrants being illegally opened in Branford, and that can cause discolored water."

The discoloration comes from natural sediments in the water becoming suddenly jostled by the high-pressure water release caused when hydrants are opened. In a heat wave advisory released June 28, the RWA notes discolored water coming from a tap should be temporary and clear relatively fast. The RWA recommends customers wait until the water runs clear before drinking or washing laundry. People with compromised immune systems should consult their physician before ingesting discolored water.

Anyone who discovers discolored water running in their homes is asked to contact the RWA as soon as possible to help pinpoint any issues which could be causing the problem. The RWA may already be aware of the issue and have an answer ready, or the call could be a first alert to a problem such as unauthorized openings of hydrants. In situations where the cause is as yet unknown, the RWA will send people to the area to figure out what the cause could be, said Doyle.  The RWA can be reached by calling (203) 562-4020.

Doyle also noted unauthorized tampering with hydrants endangers others, for a few reasons. Due to the proximity of hydrants to roads and sidewalks, the sudden release of pressurized water could compromise pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles. Without a proper sprinkler or spray cap in place, the force can easily knock a child to the ground. Unauthorized opening of hydrants also creates reduced pressure for firefighting use, which could lead to loss of life in an emergency.

In its June 28 heat wave advisory, the RWA also asks for customer water conservation assistance to ensure sufficient water availabilty and to reduce stress on local water sources and the environment. The advisory lists some simple steps for wise water use, including shifting non-critical water use (such as washing clothes or dishes) to early morning or later in the evening;  running dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded; checking water faucets, toilets and pipes for leaks and fixing them; minimizing lawn and garden watering (water before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid evaporation); decrease car washing; taking short showers instead of baths; refraining from topping off pools (unless necessary) and using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, walks and patios.