Montgomery: Chemical treatments likely cause of rust-colored water

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Updated: March 23, 2012 8:14AM

MONTGOMERY — The return of rusty water flowing into homes in Boulder Hill is likely caused by the type of water chemistry being used to clear up the original problem, according to village officials.

Michael Pubentz, public works director in Montgomery, said he had received calls last week that an odor in the water had returned in some homes.

“I wasn’t aware there was still rust in the water,” he said.

The rust problem initially began in November when Well 14 broke down. The well served a portion of unincorporated Boulder Hill that gets its water from Montgomery.

In January, crews installed a new motor for the well, and initial tests came back OK and the well was put back on line.

Meanwhile, one of two main water treatment plans for the village remains off line.

Pubentz said when a petroleum odor was noticed in village water, workers shut down the plant while testing was done.

Those initial tests came in with low levels that did not pose any health risks, but the smell was a concern.

Pubentz hopes to have an update on that issue in a few days.