WELSH — Problems that have plagued the town’s water are dissipating after a new chemical was added to the water system, according to Mayor Carolyn Louviere.

The town began treating its water with zinc orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor, in August.

“It’s much better,” Louviere said Tuesday. “We have not been having the calls like we did before. Hopefully everything is getting settled.”

The town’s crews are continuing to monitor the situation, she said.

The town is adding about six to 10 gallons of zinc orthophosphate a day to its system. The zinc orthophosphate is intended to provide a protective coating to the water line to help alleviate any problems with rust-colored water or smells, she said.

“This is something that we will keep going all the time to help keep the pipes coated,” Louviere said.

For months residents have been complaining about brown, rusty water damaging their clothes, sinks, toilets, and appliances. Many residents refused to drink the water.

In other matters, the town has also being working on the paperwork required in preparation of the upcoming change in water lines on Harris Road.

The town will be looping the line to make a connection to a line that is currently in place, but runs through private property, Louviere said. That private water line has been turned over to the town and work should begin soon, she said.

“We hope to complete the necessary upgrades and changes in a timely manner and we are confident that this will address a number of issues that residents on this particular line were experiencing,” Louviere said.

The new system will improve the water and pressure for residences in the area,” she said.

The area has several homes and lots available for future development.

Water quality graphic