Complaints Rush In Over Murky Water

Complaints are mounting in Olney Springs over dirty city water.

“There has always been some black flakes,” said resident Shelly Orebaugh. But over the last couple of months, Orebaugh says it has turned into a lot of black flakes.

Orebaugh blames manganese for the discoloration and black flakes in the water.

“I have to shower in it. But I don’t drink it, don’t cook with it and don’t make coffee with it,” she said.

Olney Springs Mayor Dan Morin said they’ve tried fixing the problem and in 2002 replaced the water pipes.

Most recently, Morin said they completed a water study and are hoping the findings will lead to a permanent solution.

But he wouldn’t say when something will be done.

In the meantime, Orebaugh said she is buying bottled water.

The EPA said manganese is a mineral that can be found in water and that most people eat it everyday. In a 2004 study, it said while it’s an essential nutrient at low doses, chronic exposure may be harmful.