City ignored water discoloration
When Fresno first brought the Northeast Water Treatment Plant online in 2004, it did so according to recommendations in the 1998 Treatability Study commissioned by the city.
The study clearly brought forth concerns of discolored water and contamination, indicating that because of oscillating water (the mixing of ground and surface water), “portions of the system may remain at risk for excessive metal release, colored water and other aesthetic concerns for an extended period of time.”
Why did the city not heed the warnings in its study? When the city started receiving reports of discolored water nearly 10 years ago, why did it not start an investigation that included tap monitoring and adjustments to their anti-corrosive treatment?
The city is legally required to notify the State Water Resources Control Board when reports of discolored water are made, but the water board says it received no reports from the city until 2016.
The city wants you to believe the problem is strictly possible “defective” pipes, but this problem goes much deeper than that! Affected residents are tired of City Hall’s rhetoric of studies and exhibits – it is time for solutions and assistance. Anything less is unacceptable!
Karen Micheli, Fresno
This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 9:44 AM with the headline "City ignored water discoloration."