BEAUMONT, Texas — Following a high number of calls for discolored water earlier this month, Beaumont city council brought those concerns to the forefront during a work session on Tuesday.
"I think it's incredibly important we be transparent with the citizens," councilman Mike Getz said.
City manager Kyle Hayes led the session and informed council members along with the public that brown water is a common issue and can be the result of multiple factors.
"Were we turning off valves during routine maintenance, did we have a break in close proximity to your house or business?," Hayes brought up as examples.
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He referenced water line breaks, problems inside a home/business and weather can all lead to discolored water.
Brown water became easily noticeable between July 6-20.
During those two weeks, 41 breaks in the water system were reported along with 283 calls of discoloration made to the city.
A water tower along Dishman Road, near Major Drive, did receive maintenance in the last month.
"How much of that is attributed to the tank being down?," Hayes asked. "Maybe something in the west end in certain pockets, but you would've still had the discolored water."
He says the repairs made caused some low pressure in the water system and didn't help the reports of discolored water but added it's not to blame.
Director of Water and Sewer Operations Mike Harris says heat coupled with a water line break near the corner of Mcfaddin Avenue and 10th street on Thursday, July 16, played factors in the high number of calls as well.
Despite the brown tint, Harris says the water remained safe to use and gets tested a lot.
"At least about eight times a day, Monday through Thursday," Harris said.
City officials say discoloration is a common issue, but one man says communicating when certain projects might result in discolored water is needed.
"The idea is we got to get it out of the building and over to the people," Beaumont resident Steve Hoffman said. "I think everybody would be happier for it & it would be good for the city."
Hayes agreed that it's not ideal to see brown water coming out of a faucet, but wants the public to know discolored water is not going away.
"This is not unique to Beaumont at all. All across the country, west coast, east coast, it happens," Hayes said.
City staff added that they have noticed less calls for discoloration over the years and what happened during these two weeks was a "perfect storm."
Hayes says his staff work tremendously hard to be on top of these issues which he credits for the decrease in calls.
If any homeowner or business does experience discolored water, call 311, so the city of Beaumont can not only put that info in their system but come out and identify the problem.
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