FORSYTH, Ga. — In Forsyth, citizens say they're concerned after seeing brown water coming through their pipes for several months.
They say they don't feel safe letting their families use the water for eating, drinking and even bathing.
The Forsyth Water and Sewer Development Department says they want to make the cleanest, clearest, safest drinking water for their customers.
People like Gerry Tilson say they haven't seen much progress toward that goal.
“I said, 'You know, Leslie, is your water brown or yellow?'” Tilson said.
Tilson has lived in Forsyth for nearly a year, he says since moving to the city he's never seen clear water.
“Water should not be yellow or brown when you turn on the tap,” Tilson said.
As he makes his morning trip to brush his teeth, he says he asks himself a question.
“Why does it look like this? I don't know that it's bad for you, but it sure doesn't look good,” Tilson said.
Craig Helms, the project manager for the city's water department, says historically Forsyth has always had discolored water.
He says this year it's been more of a problem because of frequent water main breaks in the city from construction projects.
“The amount of construction going on in and around our distribution system, it has been more consistent. It has been happening more often. So, they were more concerned, obviously, and we were as well,” Helms said.
Helms encourages people not to drink the water. He added the water naturally has manganese in it that can cause the color change.
He says run it until it stays clear.
“Flushing is the best and most immediate response and to alleviate the issue,” Helms said.
Tilson says he hopes one day he will be able to brush his teeth as soon as he gets to the sink instead of running the tap each morning.
“I'm looking some days it's yellow, some days it's really brown. And what it makes me do is turn a faucet on and let it run until it looks clearer, and then go from there,” Helms said.
Helms says the city plans to upgrade its water system to improve the quality and is pursuing line replacements. He wants to remind people the manganese won't cause health risks, but people should not drink it unless it's clear.