FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Residents in southern neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale are noticing yellow water flowing from their taps, but city officials assure it’s safe to drink.
According to the city of Fort Lauderdale, a raw water supply line was damaged by a third party at the Peele Dixie Water Treatment Plant last week.
Now, residents and workers in southern areas of the city have shared their concern over the discoloration.
Stephen Fernandez, owner of Stephan Julian Salon, observed the change in watercolor last weekend.
“I started checking my sink and collecting it and noticed a yellow tinge to it,” Fernandez said.
Officials say the shift in water treatment to the Fiveash Water Plant is the reason for the color change.
“It processes the water in a different way, and there is more of a color in the water because of the changes in technology being used,” said Fort Lauderdale’s Director of Public Works Alan Dodd. “It meets all standards and passes all tests. We monitor it very carefully to make sure the water we produce is safe to drink.”
Customers are also experiencing changes and drops in water pressure.
City officials confirmed the Peele Dixie Water Treatment Plant is fully functional and will be ready to treat raw water once the repair is made. However, the exact date for the repair is not yet known.
“I wouldn’t drink yellow water, would you?” asked Fernandez.
When asked about a timeline for the return of normal, clearer-colored water, Fort Lauderdale officials said they are working on it as fast as possible.