Charleston Residents Bothered by Yellow Running Water After Debby
Residents in Lowcountry, Charleston, have expressed concerns after observing discoloration in their running water following the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby. The water, which has reportedly adopted a slightly yellow or brown hue, has left some members of the community uncertain about its safety and effect on their daily activities.
Tropical Storm Debby Flushed Natural Materials into Water Source
Mike Saia, the Public Information Administrator for the Charleston Water System, has attributed the discoloration of the water to the recent tropical storm. According to Saia, the force of the storm has flushed a significant amount of natural organic material from the swamps, forests, and areas surrounding the reservoir and the Edisto River into the local drinking water sources.
Tests conducted on the water revealed elevated levels of iron and manganese, which Saia assured are harmless natural compounds. While admitting that the discoloration may not be appealing for consumption, he reiterated that the water is safe for use.
Efforts to mitigate the Discoloration
Charleston Water System is taking necessary measures to restore the water to its normal color. Measures include changing their water source by shifting from the Bushy Park Reservoir to the Edisto River, which has proven easier to treat. The agency also deploys alum, a common kitchen spice, to reduce the discoloration of the water. Remarkably, these efforts have registered a 50% reduction in the color intensity of the water within a day, according to Saia.
In addition, Saia mentioned potential plans to use a different powder-activated carbon in the future to treat the water, which he believes might yield better results in reducing the color.
Residents Express Discontent and Fear
However, the discoloration has thrown residents into a frenzy, affecting their daily water-related activities. Gina Larkin, a resident of Hanahan, expressed shock about having to undergo same experience for the third summer running. The disheartened woman shared a lamentable account of how she found brown spots on her blanket and white towels after washing them with the discolored water.
Findings from other residents echoed similar sentiments regarding the safety of the water for consumption and the associated inconveniences. Nicole Gourdine, a resident of North Charleston, expressed her concerns about her newborn grandchild consuming the water and her hesitance to perform daily activities such as bathing or cooking with the water.
Like many other frustrated residents, Gourdine resorted to buying bottled water as a temporary solution, expressing concerns about the associated costs and hoping for a swift resolution.
Improvement Projection by the Weekend
Meanwhile, Saia remains optimistic about a positive change by the weekend, although without a definitive timeline for complete resolution. The delay is attributed to the large amount of rainwater introduced by Debby, which needs time to flow through the watershed. This water needs to be completely drained before the natural water color can be fully restored. However, Saia maintains that despite the discoloration, the water is safe for use, assuring residents that the minor levels of iron and manganese are extremely low.
