If it's pink, don't drink it, at least that's what officials told residents of one Iowa city this week.
Shelby residents are struggling with pink, contaminated water in their homes after local officials warned that a faulty water pump in the city allowed excess potassium permanganate to seep into the water system, turning the water a bright pink and making it undrinkable.
The pink water is just one of many issues residents are experiencing with their water, which also includes a metallic taste and discolouration caused by high levels of harmful substances.
“If it's not pink, it's brown,” Kara Robinson said. Ketiv.
“The water tastes like iron – it's like drinking a whole penny,” Robinson added.
“That's what ice tastes like. It tastes awful. My kids don't want to eat ice because that's what it tastes like.”
The pink water issue began on the night of Sept. 8, when two of the city's four wells were not properly reset. According to city authorities.
Officials initially told residents that the water was “safe to drink and use,” but then retracted that statement two days later. “Don't drink the water.” Be wary of high manganese content, which is a naturally occurring element that can increase the risk of health problems when consumed in large amounts, especially in infants.
Officials warned that infants exposed to too much manganese could experience learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
Complimentary bottled water The city has offered, but Robinson said it's not enough, as tensions have grown between residents and city officials.
“There are a lot of hurt feelings between the public and the city council and we all feel like our voices are not being heard,” Robinson told local media. “We are being trampled on.”
“No one is listening to us,” she continued.
City officials announced Friday that Shelby's drinking water has been purified and is safe for drinking and all uses.
