Local officials want residents to know that recent brown-tinged, sometimes odorous water is a recurring, seasonal issue — not a safety concern. Last week, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed Ballinger’s water is safe and that treatment practices meet all standards. The discoloration stems from naturally occurring manganese stirred up by heat and flooding in Lake Ivie. Communities such as Abilene, Coleman, and Menard, which draw from the same water source, are reporting similar effects. These shifts in appearance often occur during summer heat and high inflows, reflecting natural changes, not contamination. Officials are urging residents to report persistent discoloration to City Hall — crews can flush hydrants in affected areas to improve water clarity. Thanks for your patience as we work through this seasonal challenge.
