The taps were running pink in a Canadian town on Monday, alarming residents.

Officials in Onoway apologized for the incident but assured residents that the discolored water was not a public health risk.

The pink-tinged water was caused by a common water-treatment chemical, potassium permanganate, according to the BBC report. The chemical is used to remove iron and hydrogen sulphide from the water supply.

A malfunctioning valve allowed some of the chemical to seep into the water supply, according to town officials. Residents were upset that they weren't informed about the cause of the pink water until the next morning.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The air traffic control tower is seen on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, while smoke rises from the crash site of UPS flight 2976 near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Ky. (Jon Cherry/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez