Brown Water Plagues Some Croton Residents

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Multiple streets in Croton are suffering a brown water problem so severe residents have purchased expensive filtration systems to solve the problem. A water forum sponsored by the village on Wednesday night provided few answers for residents who were expecting a comprehensive plan to solve their brown water problems.

The rust-colored water stains anything it comes into contact with, including toilets, bathtubs, sinks, faucets, washing machines and clothes. “It’s hard to believe we’re talking about the delivery of fresh water to our citizens, in America,” said environmental lawyer and Croton resident, Rick Turner, at Croton’s water forum.

Village officials told residents a computer model of the village’s water system was being created, to help determine where pipes should be replaced. Residents, however, said it was clear where pipes should to be replaced, since large numbers of Wolf Road, Nordica Drive and Truesdale Drive residents were present. The village said it has considered adding zinc orthophosphate, an anti-corrosive chemical, to the water supply, to help control brown water.

The brown water is caused by elderly and severely corroded pipes, which “dead end” at some streets, allowing the water to stagnate in the corroded pipes, developing a rust color. Some residents addressed the board two years ago, trying to solve the problem. Many installed filtration systems in their homes to try to combat the problem. Some residents, like Abbie Vos, said they had to change the $15 dollar filter replacement as much as every three days.

Alex Skrelja, a Truesdale Drive resident, said he became so frustrated by the problem that he bought a $1,200 full house filtration system. The system appears to be working to combat the problem. Most of these residents said they are afraid to drink the water, and haven’t for years.

“We’re barely affording all the extra we have to spend,” said Lillian Brijeski, about filtration systems. “I want to see progress wherever it is necessary, get the plan out, get it going. We’ve been patient, we’ve been waiting, but we’re all losing it.”

Village officials said the soonest they could likely have a plan for main replacement ready was April, which, with equipment, could cost about $30,000. Adding zinc orthophosphate could temporarily help with brown water while a main replacement plan is developed.

Although the chemical is generally regarded as safe by a number of government organizations, residents questioned the lack of health studies on the chemical, and said that it was a “band aid” measure. Two cancer survivors at the forum expressed serious apprehensions about adding a chemical to the water supply. Some residents said the village should add the chemical until water mains can be replaced.

“I don’t care if I get sick, but I have little kids,” said Vos.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.