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Press Release
Water Discoloration Notice: 10-21-2024

Bessemer City is working to resolve water discoloration in the water system. This is due to above-average iron and manganese levels in our raw water source (Long Creek), which is naturally occurring and typical for this time of year. We are working with North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) representatives to assess our treatment process to limit this discoloration moving forward.

We have switched our distribution system to Two Rivers Utilities (City of Gastonia) for water at this time and will flush lines to move discolored water through the system.

Please note the discolored water from the plant is safe for consumption and use

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in ground and surface water. It naturally erodes from the ground during drought, floods, lake turnover, and also forms from decomposing organic matter such as leaves and mulch. Lake turnover is when the air and water temperatures rise or fall to the point where the lake bottoms “flip” or turn over. This happens twice a year in the spring and fall. This also brings the manganese to the surface of the water in higher numbers than normal.

Additional rainfall last month from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene caused erosion into our creeks, lakes and reservoirs. With dropping temperatures at the same time, our lake-turnover is simultaneously happening.

In addition to changing environmental conditions, a line break occurred at the plant, temporarily halting treatment for high manganese levels. The high levels of manganese exceeded disinfection treatment ratios at the Water Treatment Facility and caused discoloration in the distribution system.

These levels were continuously tested at the Water Treatment Facility.  This data did not exceed the health advisory level of 0.3mg/l. Our lab tested the highest accurate concentration at .098mg/l.  The Secondary MCL is .05mg/l and based strictly on the aesthetics of the water.  

This level is not hazardous. It only creates a color change due to the imbalance.

For more information about this discoloration, please get in touch with Water Plant ORC Ashton Lingerfelt at (704) 629-5684 or alingerfelt@bessemercity.com.

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