DEP Responds to Residents’ Concerns Over Brown Water and Low Pressure, Especially Erev Shabbos

By Y.M. Lowy

Maybe you’ve noticed it. On a hectic Friday afternoon, as the Erev Shabbos rush picks up, the water pressure isn’t what it usually is. Showers feel weaker and in some homes, the water appears to turn brown.

In recent months, BoroPark24 has been hearing similar complaints from residents across Boro Park. What many people thought was just a problem in their own home seems to be happening in multiple areas, especially during the tight window before Shabbos.

As families prepare at the same time, showers, laundry, dishes, cooking, water usage spikes all at once. Along with the drop in pressure, some residents say the water becomes visibly discolored, sometimes enough to leave marks on towels or affect laundry.

With these concerns growing, BoroPark24 reached out to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to better understand what might be causing it and whether it’s something the city is aware of.

A DEP spokesperson told BoroPark24 that they “take community concerns very seriously” and encouraged residents to report issues when they happen. However, after reviewing their systems, the department said they “did not find anything out of the ordinary” in the areas where complaints were reported.

The DEP noted that they have received similar complaints in the past and pointed to possible causes inside buildings themselves. According to their response, “both internal plumbing and excessive demand on hot-water systems can cause sediment to become dislodged and cause brown water.”

They added that sediment buildup inside a hot water heater can also play a role, explaining that it can clog household or building lines, causing brown water and low pressure as well.

The department also clarified that New York City’s water system delivers water by gravity from upstate, and that “everyone in Brooklyn receives the same pressure from the system.”

Still, the timing has stood out to many residents. While Fridays are already getting longer as winter comes to an end, the issue has been especially noticeable during the shorter winter weeks, when entire neighborhoods are using large amounts of water within a short span of time.

For now, DEP is encouraging anyone experiencing discolored water or pressure issues to report it by calling 311 or submitting a report online, so the city can continue to monitor patterns and respond if needed.

photo: Shutterstock