CITY OF THOMASTON WATER DEPARTMENT NOTICE

 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