Public Works minister Craig Cannonier has refuted suggestions that the “brown water” in Prospect and Cedar Park homes constitutes a “recurring health hazard”.

Progressive Labour Party MPs Dennis Lister and Diallo Rabain had accused the Government of being “deaf” to the concerns of residents, with about 70 homes still receiving discoloured water years after the problem began.

They said in a statement on Sunday: “We are calling on the One Bermuda Alliance to address the serious issues with the ongoing ‘brown water’.

“This is by no means the first time that this problem has become an issue for the residents.

“Government is aware of the problem, but just being aware is not good enough. What is needed is action not silence.”

Mr Cannonier attributed the issue to cast iron piping which was installed in the 1970s and is now deteriorating, and said that the Ministry was trying to fix the problem as a matter of high priority.

“Obviously the residents would like to see this happen as quickly as possible, so this is a matter of urgency for us. We have all men on deck dealing with it,” he told The Royal Gazette.

However, he denied that the iron which is falling from the pipes and turning the water brown is also rendering it unsafe to consume.

“The health department has been testing the water on a regular basis and it is good, clean and healthy to drink,” he said.

Responding to PLP calls for a swift, permanent solution to the problem, Mr Cannonier said that trenching had already begun to fit new pipes in the area.

He added that difficulties had arisen in isolating the most eroded sections of piping, due to limited historical records. Mr Cannonier insisted that the ultimate solution would involve a total replacement of the cast iron piping, adding that the Ministry is working on a long-term, 20-year infrastructure plan for water for Bermuda.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has sent out a letter to affected residents, explaining the reasons behind the discolouration and outlining its intended solutions, including the installation of a new pumping system.

The letter states: “It appears that the most efficient way to remedy the level of discolouration is to feed the affected area by a different transmission main.

“This work will likely be completed by the end of the month, and will have a higher likelihood of remedying the discolouration.

“The Ministry sympathises with your frustrations and appreciates your patience while we continue to work on resolving the issue.”

•For further details, e-mail water@gov.bm or call 278-0570