City of Thomaston
Telephone 706-647-4242 Fax 706-646-2653
106 East Lee Street
P.O. Box 672
Taking The Time To Serve
Office of the City Manager
PUBLIC NOTICE
City of Thomaston Water Department
Water Quality Notice: Temporary Water Discoloration Due to Naturally Occurring
Manganese
September 1, 2026
The City of Thomaston Water Department is aware that some customers may notice a slight
brown, yellow, or tea-colored tint in their tap water. This temporary discoloration is the
result of elevated levels of naturally occurring manganese entering the treatment plant from
the source water supply.
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in soil, groundwater, and
surface water. While it can affect the appearance of drinking water, it does not necessarily
indicate health concern. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 0.05 mg/L for manganese based on
aesthetic considerations such as color, taste, and staining potential.
Current manganese levels in the City's water system remain below EPA’s secondary
aesthetic standard. However, concentrations have been elevated enough to cause minor
discoloration in portions of the distribution system. Probable causes include prolonged
periods of extreme heat combined with rapid temperature changes to the water source
onset by cooler rain events and cooler mornings. The temperature swings affect the water
chemistry. Crews are aware and are undertaking efforts throughout the system to abate the
issue
Is the Water Safe?
Yes. The water remains safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses. This
situation does not constitute a health emergency and is not a violation of any primary
drinking water regulations. The primary impact is limited to the appearance of the water.
City of Thomaston
Telephone 706-647-4242 Fax 706-646-2653
106 East Lee Street
P.O. Box 672
Taking The Time To Serve
Office of the City Manager
What Customers Can Do
If you experience discolored water, we recommend the following:
• Run cold water from a faucet, bathtub, or utility sink for approximately 2 to 5 minutes
or until the water clears.
• Delay washing light-colored laundry until the water runs clear to prevent potential
staining.
• There is no need to boil water or purchase bottled water as a result of this issue.
• Customers with specific health concerns should consult their healthcare provider.
Actions Being Taken
The City of Thomaston Water Department is actively working to restore normal water
appearance by:
• Adjusting treatment processes to optimize manganese removal.
• Enhancing oxidation and sequestration treatment measures as needed.
• Conducting targeted flushing of water mains throughout the distribution system.
• Continuing routine water quality monitoring to ensure compliance and track
improvements.
We anticipate conditions will improve over the next 24 to 72 hours as these corrective
measures take effect.
City of Thomaston
Telephone 706-647-4242 Fax 706-646-2653
106 East Lee Street
P.O. Box 672
Taking The Time To Serve
Office of the City Manager
Contact Information
Due to the increased number of customer inquiries, response times may be slightly longer
than normal. If discoloration persists after flushing your lines, or if you have any questions,
please contact:
City of Thomaston Water Department
Heath Jarriel, Project Manager
Phone: 706-646-8031
Email: hjarriel@azuria.com
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue and
maintain the high quality of service our customers expect.
Sincerely,
Heath Jarriel
Project Manager
City of Thomaston Water Departmen
