Discolored Tap Water is Safe to Drink, County Says

From Forsyth County

The Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department wants to assure residents their water is safe, despite some discoloration due to increased mineral content. The Water and Sewer Department is conducting continual testing to assess the water quality. All tests have shown the water is safe for all uses, including drinking, bathing and cooking. However, immuno-compromised individuals who have been advised to take special precautions requiring additional water purification should continue to follow the instructions from their health care provider.

“The discoloration in the water is being caused by a natural mineral,” Director of Water and Sewer Tim Perkins said. “The treatment process has been adjusted to remove this discoloration; however, it will take some time to reach the entire system.”

The discoloration can be attributed to the mineral manganese, which is a naturally occurring substance found in water, air, soil and food. Small amounts of manganese are nutritionally essential.

Forsyth County Water and Sewer will continue to monitor water quality closely to ensure a safe water supply is available for customers. In the unlikely event the water supply does not meet all water quality standards, Forsyth County would notify customers through such means as emergency notification calls, www.forsythco.com, and TV Forsyth – Comcast channel 23 and AT&T channel 99.