q and a about the color and odor of your water

Q. Is discolored water dangerous?
A. In most cases, no. If the color is brown or yellow it usually means a change in water pressure has caused some of the coating or sediment (mainly iron and manganese), which builds up inside of the pipelines, to get stirred up or break free. You may also notice some grit in the lines that could clog up your aerators or toilets. If the water is metallic blue, please DO NOT DRINK OR USE THE WATER. Call 619-420-1413 for emergency assistance. There may be a chemical backflow in your water service.

Q. What should I do about brown or yellow water?
A. Try running the water at an outside hose bib for several minutes to flush the line between your meter and house. Inside your home or business, you may wish to remove the aerators from your faucets, and then run the faucets for several minutes to keep from plugging water filters and toilets. DO NOT WASH CLOTHING if the water is discolored, it may stain your clothes.

Q. What if the water looks milky or cloudy?
A. Cloudy water is usually caused by air trapped in the water lines. Place the water in a pitcher or glass for a few minutes. The water should become clear. If this works, the water is safe for all uses.

Q. Why does my water taste or smell "funny"?
A. There are two most common reasons for bad tasting or smelling water. One is are from chlorine, used to kill germs in the water,. The other is from and algae, which grow in your surface water reservoir. Algae problems are seasonal, usually in warm summer months, which affect all surface water supplies, including Sweetwater Reservoir. Examples of taste and odors from algae are: grassy, swampy and earthy.

Q. What odors could signal a threat to my health?
A. If the water has a "chemical" smell, or if it smells like sewage, it could indicate a dangerous backflow condition. DO NOT DRINK OR USE THE WATER. Call (619) 420-1413 for emergency assistance.

Q. Is there fluoride in my drinking water?
A. Fluoride is not added to the water. However, fluoride is found naturally in water delivered to Sweetwater Authority customers in levels below the amount recommended for preventing tooth decay. Customers concerned about fluoride use are urged to contact a doctor or dentist to discuss fluoride supplements.
If you are concerned about your water quality, please call (619) 409-6812 or (619) 409-68