Seeing rust-colored water come out of the tap can be jarring, but it’s not necessarily a health hazard.

The Wareham Water Department is cleaning all three of the district's water towers, and expects to be done by Monday, December 17, according to Andy Cunningham, Operations Director of the Wareham Water District.

Cunningham says that the the discoloration is likely from iron and manganese, which he said are “secondary contaminants.”

“We’re still sampling for bacteria throughout the process, and we’ve had no problems,” said Cunningham.

In some areas of Wareham, residents may see discolored water in the toilet, or coming from the tap. Cunningham emphasized that this is no reason to be alarmed.

“There’s no health risk associated with discoloration," said Cunningham. "It only happens when we're draining, and flows start going in different directions than the normal flow rates."

Water Department Superintendent Michael Martin said residents' best course of action is to check water before drinking it.

"It is not a health issue, but I would tell people not to drink the water until it returns to its normal color," said Martin. "If the problem persists customers should call the Water Department and we will send out a technician to evaluate the problem."

Martin added that residents should not attempt to "flush out" the system, because that could make the discoloration worse.

"Its a temporary situation, but it understandably causes our customers some concern," said Martin.

Cleaning of the water tower on Glen Charlie Road is done, and the Water Department expects lab results from the water tower in West Wareham to be in on Monday. Cunningham says he expects cleaning to begin on the Bourne Hill water tower on Wednesday, December 12.

If you have concerns about your water, contact the Wareham Water Department at 508-295-0450.