Rose water: Malfunction turns Ohio tap water pink

[March 30, 2009]  PAINESVILLE, Ohio (AP) -- Some Ohio water customers had pink water coming out of their faucets over the weekend after an equipment malfunction led to a chemical overload.

An official with the Lake County Department of Utilities northeast of Cleveland says there were no health problems from Saturday night's glitch. The system was flushed Sunday and customers were told to avoid washing clothes to prevent staining.

The malfunction involved a chemical feeder that released too much potassium permanganate, which is used for taste and odor control. Most of the over-treated water was cleared out of the filtration plant by noon Sunday.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.