By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Residents in Wheatley and Tilbury may notice a temporary change in the appearance of their tap water starting this week, as the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reports a naturally occurring discolouration affecting the local water distribution system. Officials stress that while the water may appear slightly tinted, it remains safe to drink and poses no health risks.
The discolouration, which began Friday night, is attributed to seasonal changes in Lake Erie’s raw water supply. Specifically, fluctuations in water temperature and lake turnover—a natural process where deeper, cooler water mixes with warmer surface water—have introduced colour variations into the source water. The Wheatley and Tilbury systems draw their supply from the Water Treatment Plant in Wheatley, making them susceptible to these temporary changes.
According to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the discolouration is expected to be short-lived and will clear naturally as the system replenishes with fresh water. Once Lake Erie stabilizes and returns to normal conditions, the water system will undergo a flushing process to help expedite the clearing of any residual colour.
“The safety of the water is not affected by this colour issue,” the PUC confirmed in a statement. “At this time, there have been no water testing results that indicate any health risk from drinking the water.”
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has been kept informed of the situation and is working closely with the PUC to monitor developments. Officials will continue to consult until the issue is fully resolved, ensuring that public health remains a top priority.
While the appearance of discoloured water may be concerning to some residents, authorities emphasize that this is a common and naturally occurring phenomenon during seasonal transitions in large bodies of water like Lake Erie. The municipality encourages residents to remain calm and reassured that the water quality is being closely monitored.
As the situation evolves, updates will be provided through official municipal channels to keep the community informed. In the meantime, residents are advised that their water remains safe for consumption and everyday use.
