MAGNOLIA, Texas – Some homeowners living in Magnolia say their tap water is so gross, they refuse to use and bathe in it.
That includes Kelly Beach.
“I‘ve been going to my boss’s house to shower and do my laundry and I don’t eat here either,” said Beach.
Beach said she moved to her Magnolia home in 2015, but the murky water problem has gotten worse this year.
“It’s brown and then sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s foul smelling and then it’ll get better‚“ said Beach. ”It’s just disgusting."
Beach took her concerns to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The report from TCEQ found there have been 7 prior complaints in the last five years in Magnolia citing brown water, low water pressure and chlorine odor. Six previous issues were reviewed and resolved, according to the report.
Casey Henderson, who lives nearby Beach, said he only drinks bottled water.
“I go and buy 10, 15, sometimes 20 cases of water at times," said Henderson.
KPRC 2 performed a water quality test at Henderson’s house and here’s what we found:
- Hardness was at 50-100 ppm (considered soft water)
- Chlorine level was at 3 ppm (similar to a swimming pool)
- Alkalinity at 240 ppm (above ideal range of 80-150 ppm)
- Copper at .3 ppm
- Iron at .5 ppm
- No lead detected
“I mean, bathing in it, I get rashes and losing hair, and I’m 39,” said Henderson.
A City of Magnolia spokesperson sent us the following statement:
“The City of Magnolia recently underwent a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) inspection which included sampling at four (4) locations within the Magnolia Ridge subdivision. The inspection results indicated that one of the four samples exceeded the TCEQ Color Unit (CU) secondary standard of 15 CU, with a reading of 30 CU.
This color variance in the water is attributed to the naturally occurring iron found within our potable water supply. On occasion, elevated levels of iron can cause discoloration or a yellowish tint to the water. While this may affect the appearance of the water, please be assured that it does not present a health risk and the water remains safe for consumption.
The City of Magnolia actively treats its water supply by dosing sequestrants at our water treatment plants. This process helps to bind and suspend iron particulates, reducing discoloration and maintaining water clarity as much as possible. Our Public Works team continues to monitor and adjust treatment as needed to minimize these naturally occurring variations.
We appreciate you’re understanding as we work to maintain the quality and reliability of our water system. Should you have any questions regarding this notice or our water treatment process, please contact the City of Magnolia Public Works Department at [(936) 385-4219]."