ABILENE, Texas — If you live in the southern part of the City of Abilene, you may have noticed something different about the water coming out of your home's faucets, and you're not alone.
The City's Water Utilities Department said it has received calls from customers regarding an unusual color of the drinking water. But the City says the drinking water is safe to consume.
Water treated by the Abilene Water Department receives complete treatment in accordance with state and federal regulations and meets the primary drinking water standards, as established by the EPA.
Customers in the City's southern region receive water from the Hargesheimer Water Treatment Plant. Discolored water may also affect wholesale customers who receive treated water from the City of Abilene Public Water Supply.
Laboratory analysis indicates a higher-than-normal level of manganese in the drinking water. The elevated levels of manganese are caused by natural processes occurring in Abilene’s water supply, Lake O.H. Ivie Reservoir. Higher temperatures and inflows into the reservoir affect the reservoir’s water chemistry and can temporarily cause manganese levels in the reservoir to increase.
High manganese levels can affect the water’s appearance and taste and could also stain laundry and plumbing fixtures. At current levels, manganese does not pose a health risk to the public.
City personnel are working diligently to resolve the problem.
If you notice an unusual color in your drinking water, the City recommends flushing your line for a few minutes. If this does not correct the problem, contact the Water Department's 24-hour emergency contact number at 325-676-6000.
