What condition, besides particle persistence, warrants treating municipally supplied water as suspect and contacting the water provider?
Answer
Particles that are colored, persistent, or accompanied by an unusual taste or odor
While municipal water is regulated to manage pathogens, visible contaminants signal a potential break in integrity that requires investigation. The most responsible action is to contact the local provider if the visual evidence suggests a serious problem. This includes situations where the particles exhibit distinct coloring (like brown/red rust), if the disturbance continues for an extended period without clearing up, or if there are accompanying sensory issues such as an abnormal taste or an unusual odor detected in the water.

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