Why some River Oaks residents are seeing brown or yellow water from their faucets

City leaders said the discoloration does not mean the water is unsafe.

RIVER OAKS, Texas — Turning on the faucet and seeing brownish or yellow-tinted water can be alarming.

That’s what several River Oaks residents say they have experienced recently, with multiple people sending photos of the discolored water to WFAA.

“If you see something like that, it is off-putting. You don’t want to see that,” said John Paul Jones, River Oaks’ chief water operator. 

This story continues below.

Jones said the city gets its water from Lake Worth, and that the discoloration does not mean the water is unsafe.

He said recent extreme heat can contribute to the problem.

Tiny particles can accumulate inside water pipes over time. When the temperature or water flow changes, those particles can become dislodged and enter the water, causing the temporary discoloration.

“Whenever there’s a change in that temperature, a change in flow, those little particles that have accumulated over time can be released back into the water,” Jones said.

Jones said the discoloration is typically just a slight tint. 

River Oaks City Manager Marvin Gregory said the discolored water is safe to drink and use. He said the city has responded to about 25 reports of discolored water over the last month and a half.

City officials say residents who notice an issue should contact the city rather than ignore it. Reports help officials determine where discoloration is occurring and whether the system needs to be flushed.

And Jones said residents may notice the water clear up on its own.

“If you sit there for a while, you’d see it totally clear up.”

So while brown or yellow water coming from the faucet may be unsettling, River Oaks officials say the temporary discoloration is not a reason for residents to panic.