07/26/2026
Atoka RWD #4 has received many calls and messages over the weekend from customers concerned about the yellow tint in the water. It is caused by excess amounts of manganese, which is a form of Iron. When the lake temperature dramatically changes every summer and the lake "turns over", manganese in the raw water is astronomically higher very quickly and dramatically rises in the water treatment plant as well. It is not aesthetically pleasing but it is safe to drink, bathe in, etc. in limited amounts (more info on this below). The plant produces about 1,000 gallons a minute, which means several hundred thousand gallons of safe but tinted water was distributed to the system and water towers before the manganese levels were brought back down to a more pleasing optical quality (which optimal levels were regained about 6-8 hours from start of issue). Most of it should be entirely out of the water system by Monday evening. It depends on how much water is used, so that is not a guarantee. Because the length of time of when higher levels entered and is calculated to leave the system, it is considered well within "a limited amount of time" to be considered safe. As a reminder, the water plant is running at maximum output capacity 24/7 already. RWD #4 has flushed lines in an effort to help; however, only so much can be flushed without draining the water towers to critical levels. Anyone who would like a more thorough explanation is encouraged to reach out. A simple Google search will explain manganese. Screenshots have been added to this post. However, the office manager does keep some printed articles in office because this happens every summer. In the event of water contamination or if it were in any way unfit to drink (I.e., a boil order were in place), it would be the duty of Atoka RWD #4 to inform every single customer of such an event as soon as possible. This is NOT such an event. There would be a Facebook message for sure, but it is required of Atoka RWD #4 to attempt contact with each customer individually and that responsibility is taken very seriously. Customers are advised and encouraged to update contact information with office personnel, as verbal contact would be much faster than "door to door". Thank you to everyone who shares accurate information to those who are not on Facebook or do not have availability for whatever reason to reach out to Atoka RWD #4 directly.
