JXN Water warns Jackson customers of yellow-brown tap water as seasonal manganese rises
JXN Water customers are raising concerns about discolored water, which appears brown or yellow, as the company works to address the recurring summer issue caused by manganese. JXN Water confirmed that the discoloration stems from manganese, a naturally occurring mineral present in the Ross Barnett Reservoir and Pearl River source water. Warmer temperatures accelerate the release of manganese from soil and bedrock into the water supply, a pattern the utility monitors closely each summer. The utility emphasized that the discoloration is an aesthetic issue and does not pose a health or safety concern. JXN Water officials said that the water continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards, and manganese at these levels does not present a health risk to the general public. To address the issue, JXN Water is actively flushing water mains across affected areas to clear manganese sediment from the lines, adjusting treatment processes at water treatment facilities to reduce manganese entering the distribution system, and monitoring manganese levels system-wide, with particular attention to areas experiencing the highest volume of customer reports. JXN Water customer Barbara Flowers said the discolored water is affecting her laundry.”Even from this almost being that color, you can see the difference. And look at there, it looks like that,” she said, showing towels with a light brown tint after washing them. “You almost have to re-rinse them,” she said. “Over a period of time, everything turns dingy white, so it almost looks like they are never clean.”Customers are encouraged to run cold water for a few minutes if it appears discolored, as this often clears the line. They should use cold water for drinking and cooking, flush taps after water has been sitting for six or more hours, delay laundry until water runs clear to avoid staining light-colored clothing, and report ongoing discoloration to JXN Water’s 24/7 Customer Care line at 601-500-5200. “We understand how frustrating it is to turn on your tap and see discolored water, and we don’t take that frustration lightly,” JXN Water said. “Our operations team has been on the ground flushing lines and adjusting treatment since the reports began, and we are seeing real progress. This is a known, seasonal challenge tied to our source water, and it is one we manage every year.”
JXN Water customers are raising concerns about discolored water, which appears brown or yellow, as the company works to address the recurring summer issue caused by manganese.
JXN Water confirmed that the discoloration stems from manganese, a naturally occurring mineral present in the Ross Barnett Reservoir and Pearl River source water. Warmer temperatures accelerate the release of manganese from soil and bedrock into the water supply, a pattern the utility monitors closely each summer.
The utility emphasized that the discoloration is an aesthetic issue and does not pose a health or safety concern. JXN Water officials said that the water continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards, and manganese at these levels does not present a health risk to the general public.
To address the issue, JXN Water is actively flushing water mains across affected areas to clear manganese sediment from the lines, adjusting treatment processes at water treatment facilities to reduce manganese entering the distribution system, and monitoring manganese levels system-wide, with particular attention to areas experiencing the highest volume of customer reports.
JXN Water customer Barbara Flowers said the discolored water is affecting her laundry.
“Even from this almost being that color, you can see the difference. And look at there, it looks like that,” she said, showing towels with a light brown tint after washing them.
“You almost have to re-rinse them,” she said. “Over a period of time, everything turns dingy white, so it almost looks like they are never clean.”
Customers are encouraged to run cold water for a few minutes if it appears discolored, as this often clears the line. They should use cold water for drinking and cooking, flush taps after water has been sitting for six or more hours, delay laundry until water runs clear to avoid staining light-colored clothing, and report ongoing discoloration to JXN Water’s 24/7 Customer Care line at 601-500-5200.
“We understand how frustrating it is to turn on your tap and see discolored water, and we don’t take that frustration lightly,” JXN Water said. “Our operations team has been on the ground flushing lines and adjusting treatment since the reports began, and we are seeing real progress. This is a known, seasonal challenge tied to our source water, and it is one we manage every year.”