2 towns in central Kansas plagued by dark, dirty water
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — Residents in Marion County are frustrated with the dirty water coming from their faucets. Those living in the towns of Ramona and Tampa have been dealing with this issue for years and are now reaching out to 12 News for help.
“The whole time I’ve been here, and I think some people have said it’s been 20 years, the water’s been like this,” said Tampa resident Kristina Kraemer.
Kathy Matkins, a resident of Ramona, said she fills her cats’ bowls with bottled water because the color of the water from her faucet changes daily.
“Every time we think it might clear up or things might get better, you know, here something comes back again,” said Matkins.
Many residents from Marion County Water District 1 have sent photos and videos to 12 News, voicing similar concerns.
The Kansas Rural Water Association (KRWA) has acknowledged multiple complaints from residents of both Ramona and Tampa over the years, stating that the water’s appearance is due to its high iron content.
“All we want, all we really want, is to have water and clean water,” said Matkins. “Water to do dishes and water to take a shower, to wash our clothes.”
KRWA recommended that the Marion County Rural Water District 1 explore different water sources and apply for funding.
“I know it’s not gonna be fixed, but we have to start applying for grants,” said Kraemer. “We have to because it’s the only way we’re gonna get enough money to fix the problem.”
12 News reached out to officials at the Marion County Rural Water District 1, but they declined to comment at this time.
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