Brown water issues causing financial strain for customers

An issue with brown water is hitting some Jackson residents in the pocketbook. In South Jackson, water is pouring from hydrants along Suncrest Drive. It’s part of JXN Water’s push to flush brown water out of the system.Customers say the discolored water has become an inconvenience and a financial liability. “Water ain’t cheap no more,” said Era Davis, Jackson resident. “They went up on the water at the water company, they went up on the water at the stores too.” Not only are some residents having to buy water, but the issue is also forcing them to spend money at the laundromat. JXN Water told customers doing laundry with the brown water could stain clothes and plumbing fixtures. They said despite how it looks the water is still safe to drink.According to JXN Water, the brown water is caused by elevated levels of manganese. It’s a naturally occurring mineral that shows up in the water every year.JXN Water said the reason people are noticing the water this year is because half the production facility at the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant shut down for maintenance and capital improvement. So it’s harder to treat and clean the water before it’s pumped out.Some customers said they want to be reimbursed or get a credit on their next water bill.We reached out to JXN Water for a comment to customer complaints. JXN Water said last week it may take a few more weeks for the brown water to clear up.