Mayor: Holley’s water is safe to drink with metallic odor, taste

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 14 December 2016 at 12:24 pm

HOLLEY – Residents who have noticed a metallic odor and taste in their water don’t need to worry that the water is unsafe.

Village of Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said this morning that tests results of village water have come back from the Orleans County Health Department showing the water is fine.

“There is no reason not to drink or use the water,” Sorochty said. “There is no boil water advisory, people can use their water as normal.”

The mayor reported to Village Board members during their meeting Tuesday evening about the metallic odor and taste sporadically affecting tap water for some residents and businesses in the village.

The village began flushing hydrants on Tuesday and is adding additional chlorine in an effort to combat any unpleasant taste or smell.

Sorochty explained during the Village Board meeting that the water the village receives from the Monroe County Water Authority has a high pH level, which “eats up chlorine.” The village receives some of its water from its own well in addition to water from the MCWA, he said.

Trustee Connie Nenni, who works for the Holley Central School District, said the odor had affected some of the fountains at the school and some district employees who live in the village noted they had experienced minor skin irritation.

The process of flushing the system appears to be helping. Sorochty said this morning that some residents have reported an improvement in their water since flushing began. Officials are not certain what caused the change in odor and taste.

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