Residents in Cleveland’s western suburbs have recently noticed a yellowish tint in their tap water, prompting questions and social media posts about safety. Cleveland Water officials say while the discoloration is unpleasant to look at, the water remains safe to drink and use.
According to the utility, the yellow hue is linked to a natural phenomenon in Lake Erie that affects water quality at the Crown Water Treatment Plant in Westlake. Seasonal changes can cause layers of warm and cold water in the lake to shift, a process known as hypoxic upwelling. This movement sometimes pushes oxygen-depleted water from the bottom of the lake toward the shoreline. As oxygen levels fluctuate, minerals dissolve more readily, occasionally giving the water a yellow or green tint.
The effect has primarily been reported in Cleveland Water’s northwestern service area, including communities like Lakewood, Rocky River, and Bay Village. While the water may look concerning, there are no health advisories in place.
“While unsightly, there are no health concerns or drinking water advisories. Water is safe to use as normal,” Cleveland Water said in a statement.
Utility crews have already made adjustments to the treatment process and are flushing hydrants in affected neighborhoods to clear remaining discolored water from the system. Officials note that water leaving the treatment plant is now clear, but some homes may continue to see yellow or green-tinted water until the system fully flushes out.
Lake Erie’s central basin provides drinking water to more than 2 million people, and natural events like hypoxic upwelling can temporarily affect water quality. According to the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, these events occur irregularly and often follow strong winds that disrupt the lake’s layers. Local water departments must then make rapid adjustments to maintain safe drinking water.
Cleveland Water encourages any residents with ongoing concerns to call its water quality line at 216-664-2639.