In Shelby, Iowa, USA, tap water turns pink, affecting residents' water use

Recently, there has been an abnormality in the tap water in Shelby, Iowa, USA, which has turned pink. Local residents have been warned not to drink it.

It is understood that the problem of tap water discoloration began on the night of September 8. Due to the failure of two of Shelby's four water supply wells to start normally, excessive potassium permanganate seeped into the water supply system, turning the tap water pink. Initially, officials had said that pink tap water was drinkable, but on the 10th, they changed their tune and issued a warning of “do not drink tap water”. They pointed out that pink tap water has a very high manganese content. Excessive drinking may cause health problems and is especially dangerous for infants and young children.

Residents of Shelby said in an interview that every time they flush the toilet, the water is pink. And this is not the first time the local tap water has changed color. There have been brown situations before, and it tastes like rust. As early as February this year, the tap water in Shelby was undrinkable due to excessive manganese content. Local residents are dissatisfied with this and feel neglected. Their opinions have not been taken seriously.

The emergency management department said that residents can only use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth and cooking. The local government also provided emergency supplies to residents. As of September 11, the water supply system has returned to normal operation and the potassium permanganate content is no longer excessive, but the water in the water supply wells still appears pink. At present, relevant departments are still conducting further investigations and handling of this incident to restore residents' normal water use as soon as possible.