Despite Wednesday’s widespread water discoloration, Columbia city officials say the water is safe to drink.
Some 939 the Eagle listeners say their water appeared to be brown or yellow on Wednesday. City of Columbia Utilities says contractors have performed significant work on the main transmission line as part of the McBaine water treatment plant upgrade. The city says that because of that work, excess minerals in the water pipes and water storage facilities were disturbed, causing discoloration to the drinking water. The city says the discoloration is an excess of calcium bicarbonate and is safe to drink. The city says the excess minerals should flush through the system by this (Thursday) afternoon.
Columbia officials also say the city’s drinking water is tested daily in multiple locations to ensure its safety.
