Many Latrobe Municipal Authority customers are coping with discolored water while authority officials try to compensate for elevated sediment levels resulting from drought conditions in the region.
Authority chairperson Ellen Keefe said Monday the yellow- or brown-tinged water may not be appealing but remains drinkable.
“The water is still potable,” she said. “It’s constantly monitored.”
Keefe said the problem began last week when a rainstorm stirred up sediment from the bottom of the reservoir, which is at a low level because of the drought.
“The water got murky,” she said. “It goes through our filtration plant, but it’s still discolored.”
“Although levels at the LMA reservoir continue to be low due to persistent drought conditions, raw water quality has been steadily improving, and treated water continues to meet (state Department of Environmental Protection) requirements,” the authority posted on its website.
At one point, the authority reported, there was a slight decrease in pH levels in the water, but it remained within required levels.
“We are actively monitoring water quality parameters and will continue to make adjustments to the treatment process until the discoloration is resolved,” the authority stated.
In an automated phone message to customers, the authority said it may consider flushing water lines to help address the discoloration.
