Residents of Milton say problems with tap water discolouration that last occurred in 2018 began to affect the town once more about a fortnight ago.
Kink n the Road Bistro & Bar manager Jen Alston said the issue had left the eatery having to explain to customers why their bottles seemed to be filled with lime cordial rather than water .
"It’s been brownish yellow for the past couple of weeks, but we received no direct notification from council about the issue.
"They posted online, and the word has spread in the community, but we’d have appreciated an explanation and some indication of when it might be fixed.
"It’s just embarrassing having to explain to customers. I won’t drink it myself, but I’m told it has an earthy, mineral taste. We don’t even really know if it’s safe to drink."
She said a call to the Clutha District Council had failed to provide any satisfactory answers.
"The lady just told me to buy bottled water if I was worried. How are we supposed to run a cafe like that?"
Council chief executive Steve Hill said, as in 2018, the cause of the issue was unknown.
"We were made aware of the issue on December 13. The discolouration is affecting residents across the town.
"Due to natural minerals in Milton’s water source, particularly manganese and iron, it is not unusual for water to have slight discolouration. Accumulation of these minerals in the reservoirs and pipe network can result in increased discolouration. This happened in 2018 for unknown reasons, and whilst we are investigating again, the cause is currently still unknown."
He said the water had been treated, and was safe to drink.
For concerned residents, the council was also providing a water tanker at the Toko Rugby Club, and bottled water at its Union St service centre, he said.
"We have been working to resolve the issue and are continuing to do so.
"Last week, the pipe network was flushed extensively; this week changes are being made at the water treatment plant and one of the town’s reservoirs is being taken offline."
The council would investigate longer-term solutions in order to prevent a further recurrence, Mr Hill said.
