ALEXANDRIA, Tenn. (WTVF) – It’s no surprise that people are hesitant to drink water that isn’t clear.
Earlier this week, I learned for the first time that people were buying bottled water and boiling their tap water because it was yellow, brown and sometimes rust-colored coming out of the faucet.
People in Alexandria receive high bills for poor quality water
I went to the Smith Utility District to learn what they are doing to improve water quality in this area.
Rich Potter, the water company’s director, said they began treating the water with a special solution in June to fix the discoloration.
Potter first heard about the water discoloration about a year ago. He took a sample from the Caney Fork River, where the water comes from, and ran a test. The result prompted him to advocate for treating the water with polyphosphate/orthophosphate. The treatment found iron levels as high as 24 ppm. By comparison, anything over 300 ppm is considered problematic.
In Potter’s opinion, it was only a matter of time before more customers noticed deposits.
“I told my board it’s coming,” Rich Potter said. “If you see it in the outskirts, it’s coming.”
According to the water company’s director, the mixture attacks contaminants such as iron and prevents lead and copper corrosion in distribution pipes.
Work began in June, but it will take another four to five months before it is operational.
“Like medicine, sometimes you get worse before you get better, but then you get better,” Potter said.
Another concern that many of you have shared with us is the cost of drinking water in this area. Local governments set utility rates and these are decided in board meetings. It is so important that your voice is heard.
Do you have concerns about your drinking water? Send me an email at [email protected].
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