Columbia County Water Utility has launched a Water Quality Task Force in response to community concerns over brown or discolored water and fluctuations in water pressure.
The task force, made up of experts from water treatment, distribution, laboratory services, asset management and utility management, is charged with finding the root causes of the issues and implementing both immediate and long-term solutions.
“We understand that recent reports of brown or discolored water, as well as fluctuations in water pressure, have caused concern, and we want our community to know that we hear you and are taking decisive action,” the utility stated in a press release from Columbia County.
Immediate actions
As part of the plan, a dedicated phone line has been set up for residents to report water quality concerns. Staff will be dispatched to investigate, take samples and document issues.
The utility says teams will respond quickly, return for follow-up sampling and confirm that the problem has been resolved, according to the press release from Columbia County.
Weekly task force meetings will be held to ensure progress, and system operations will be adjusted to reduce pressure and flow fluctuations.
The Distribution Department will also provide customers with updates and educational materials about water quality standards.
Behind the Scenes
The task force’s responsibilities include monitoring system trends, managing manganese levels, conducting targeted system flushing, and accelerating laboratory testing during active cases. Asset management staff will track complaints, identify problem areas and create heat maps.
The county also plans to use Hyper-Reach notifications to alert customers in affected zones, according to the county’s press release.
Long-Term solutions
Planned long-term projects include mechanically cleaning large transmission mains, ice pigging smaller mains, and installing power monitoring equipment at the Blanchard Water Treatment Plant to address disruptions linked to water quality and pressure.
Columbia County Water Utility emphasized its commitment to “transparency and continuous improvement,” according to a press release from Columbia County.
For concerns, residents can call the dedicated line at 706-863-6928, available 24 hours a day, or email waterquality@columbiacountyga.gov during business hours.
