Department of Health Says Ocean Shores Water is Safe

Ocean Shores, WA - Ocean Shores residents and visitors may notice a yellowish tinge in the drinking water.

Miles Beach, water works utilities superintendent for the city in Grays Harbor County, and consulting engineers attribute the discoloration to manganese, a naturally occurring metal. Manganese isn’t a public health concern, but some people become concerned when they see the yellowish water the city is experiencing. Beach said a component of the city’s new water treatment plant isn’t removing all of the manganese, but the rest of the plant is functioning normally.

Although the water looks unusual, routine monitoring tests show the water meets safe drinking water standards. The state Department of Health is working closely with Ocean Shores and its consultants to help resolve the problem. Ocean Shores recently brought its new water treatment plant online and is still in the process of making a transition to the new system.

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“Any time you make a big change in infrastructure there are bound to be a few bumps along the way,” said Beach. “We’re doing our best to address and eliminate the discoloration as quickly as possible, and we appreciate the understanding and patience of our customers and visitors.”

He recommended that residents refrain from using bleach in their laundry until the problem is resolved because added bleach could stain clothing.

People who have questions about their water may call 360-289-4210.

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