Chief Public Health Inspector for St.Ann, Leroy Scott has sought to reassure residents of Exchange and surrounding areas in Ocho Rios that their piped water remains safe for consumption amid concerns over its cloudy appearance.

Some residents are worried that the water is being treated too heavily with chlorine.

Addressing a meeting of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation yesterday, Scott explained that the water’s appearance is not due to excessive chlorination noting that high chlorine levels would produce different effects including irritation to the eyes.

He said the whitish colour is caused by a combination of calcium in the water and pressure within the distribution system.

He said there is no health risk.