‘Black water’ from pipes addressed

WEIMAR — The Nov. 9 City Council meeting saw the introduction of a new police chief, the retirement of a former officer as well as the discussion around the discolored water coming out of faucets at residences and businesses around town.

Public Works director Jason Mahan addressed the concerns behind the darkened and discolored water flowing through certain city pipes. According to Mahan, the discoloration is due to a buildup of manganese in wells and pipelines. Some of the pipes in town do not connect to flow in a cycle, leading to water staying stagnant and collecting materials seeping into the water from the pipes.

Research shows that negative effects from manganese in water is mostly from chronic ingestion from drinking water and not usually from external use like showers or bathing. A low concentration of manganese can discolor water or cause staining. Drinking water with a high concentration can have neurological effects as the toxic material enters the body and bloodstream.