Clovis shuts down water plant after complaints of discolored water

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The city of Clovis has shut down its water treatment plant after many residents found discolored water coming out of their taps Thursday morning.

The slightly yellow and green water was most obvious in bathtubs. Several residents posted pictures on social media. The problem can be traced to Pine Flat reservoir, 40 miles away. The dam operator started releasing water from the lower part of the lake.

"When it does that the low level gates pull up a lot of particles in the water with that is a lot of iron in the water," said Scott Refeld, Assistant Public Works Director.

Refeld said the iron reacts to chlorine as it leaves the treatment plan, causing the discoloration.

"There are no health issues with it, it's a secondary standard which deals with visual smell and taste."

But since the plant was about to be shut down for canal maintenance the decision was made to close it now. The city is now reverting to well water and the discolored water should be flushed from the system by this weekend.

Clovis officials said the discoloration is nothing like the problem in Northeast Fresno which is caused by corroded plumbing.

Officials said the water is safe to drink and again the discoloration should disappear in a day or two.