The Newburyport Board of Health guidance re: recent information provided by the Newburyport Water Division regarding changes in the appearance of drinking water
March 13, 2026March 13, 2026
The Newburyport Board of Health guidance re: recent information provided by the Newburyport Water Division regarding changes in the appearance of drinking water
Why Some Newburyport Food Establishments May Notice Changes in Water Appearance
This communication aims to expand upon recent information provided by the Newburyport Water Division regarding changes in the appearance of drinking water. Some establishments may notice darker water, sediment, or staining in sinks, dishware, or ice machines.
These conditions are related to seasonal changes in the city’s drinking water reservoirs that can increase levels of Manganese, a naturally occurring mineral. While the appearance of the water can be unpleasant, the Water Division has confirmed that the water continues to meet all State and Federal drinking water standards.
The Newburyport Board of Health is providing the following guidance for food establishments.
FAQs: Manganese in Drinking Water – Guidance for Food Establishments
1. What is manganese and why does it matter for food establishments?
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in soil, rock, and surface water sources. It is normally present in small amounts in drinking water.
While manganese at the levels currently reported in Newburyport’s drinking water does not present a food safety concern, higher concentrations can cause:
Dark or brown discoloration of water
Sediment in plumbing fixtures
Staining of sinks, dishware, and equipment
Changes in the appearance of ice
These issues are primarily aesthetic but may affect food service equipment and water clarity.
2. Why do manganese levels increase during heavy ice cover?
During winter months, reservoirs often freeze. Heavy or prolonged ice cover acts as a lid on the reservoir that prevents oxygen from entering the water.
When this happens, bottom waters can lose oxygen and become anoxic. Under these conditions, manganese in the reservoir sediments can dissolve and enter the water column.
Once the ice recedes and the reservoirs mix and re-oxygenate naturally, manganese levels typically decrease and the appearance issues subside.
3. Can food establishments continue to use municipal water?
Yes. The Water Division has confirmed that the drinking water continues to meet all State and Federal drinking water standards.
Municipal water may continue to be used for:
Food preparation and cooking
Handwashing
Warewashing and dishwashing
Beverage preparation
Ice production
At this time, no restrictions on normal food establishment operations have been issued.
4. What changes might food establishments notice?
Some establishments may notice:
Dark or brown water from faucets
Black or brown sediment in aerators or filters
Staining of sinks, equipment, or dishware
Discolored ice or cloudy ice cubes
Clogging of water filters
These conditions are temporary and related to seasonal reservoir conditions.
5. What steps can food establishments take if discoloration occurs?
If discoloration or sediment is observed, operators can take several simple steps:
Run cold water taps until water runs clear
Flush plumbing lines supplying beverage equipment or ice machines
Inspect and clean faucet aerators
Check and replace water filters if they become clogged or discolored
If ice becomes discolored, operators should discard the ice and allow the ice machine supply line to flush before producing new ice.
6. Should water filtration systems be checked?
Yes. Establishments with filtration systems may experience increased filter loading during manganese events.
Operators should:
Inspect sediment or carbon filters regularly
Replace filters if discoloration or reduced flow occurs
Follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance
7. When should an establishment contact the city?
Food establishments should contact the Water Division or the Board of Health if they experience:
Persistent dark or discolored water that does not clear after flushing
Significant sediment buildup in plumbing fixtures
Ongoing impacts to food equipment or ice machines
City staff will continue to monitor reservoir conditions and treatment operations closely.
8. How is the City managing manganese levels?
The Water Division monitors manganese levels in the drinking water system regularly and adjusts treatment as needed.
Manganese can be removed during treatment by adjusting the dose of potassium permanganate at the raw water pump station, which oxidizes manganese so it can be removed during the treatment process.
In the longer term, the city is in the planning stages of constructing a new Water Treatment Plant that would include improved treatment infrastructure to respond to changing source water conditions.
9. Where can food establishments get updates?
Updates will continue to be provided by:
The Newburyport Water Division
The Newburyport Board of Health
Food establishments are encouraged to monitor city communications for additional information as seasonal reservoir conditions change.
