If the water is pink, don't drink it — at least that's what officials told Iowa City residents this week.
Shelby residents were upset about contaminated pink water in their homes after local officials warned that a problem with the city's water pumps had caused an excess of potassium permanganate to enter the system, turning the water bright pink and unsafe to drink.
The pink color is just one of many problems residents are experiencing with the water, which includes a metallic taste and other times color changes in the water due to high levels of hazardous elements.
“If it's not pink, it's brown,” explained Kara Robinson KETV,
“The water tastes like iron — like you're drinking straight money,” Robinson said.
“It tastes like that. It's horrible. Our kids don't even like to use our ice because it tastes like that.”
The pink water problem began on the night of September 8, when two of the city's four wells were not reset properly. according to city officials,
Officials initially told residents the water was safe to drink and use, but two days later they backtracked on their statement, saying the water was “safe to drink and use.” “do not drink the water” This advice is given because it is high in manganese, a naturally occurring element that if consumed in excess can increase the risk of health problems – especially in babies.
Officials warned that infants exposed to excessive manganese could have learning or behavioral problems.
Free bottled water That’s what the city has offered, but Robinson says it’s not enough as tensions are growing between residents and city officials.
“I think there are a lot of hurt feelings between the citizens and the city council, and we all feel like our voices are not being heard,” Robinson told the local outlet.
He further said, “No one is listening to what we are saying.”
City officials announced Friday that Shelby's drinking water has been cleaned and is safe to drink and for all uses.
