PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Residents throughout Prince George's and Montgomery Counties are reporting discolored water in their pipes, say utility officials, who say the water is safe for drinking.

Since the beginning of August, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has received more than 700 discolored water complaints. They usually receive 200 to 300 complaints each month during the spring, utility officials said. "Our number one goal is public health and I want all our customers to know that WSSC water is safe," WSSC General Manager and CEO Carla A. Reid said in a statement. "But from an aesthetic standpoint, the water is unacceptable and I sincerely apologize to our customers impacted by this discolored water. Our customers should not have to think twice about their drinking water when they turn on their taps."

WSSC officials have noticed an increase in organic material coming from decayed leaves, tree debris and vegetation in the Potomac River. Officials say this is possibly caused by recent severe weather events. Manganese is a natural mineral also found in waterways, and an increased amount in treated water causes discoloration. Manganeseis not a health hazard and is not regulated by the EPA as a drinking water contaminant. "Prince George's County residents may notice discolored water for areas served by the Potomac Water Filtration Plant. The water is confirmed to be safe for consumption and normal daily use," Pamela Creekmur of Prince George's County Health Department said in a statement. "The water has been tested and only presents an aesthetic difference and no changes to the water quality or safety."

When WSSC receives calls about discolored water, its crews typically open a fire hydrant in the area to flush out the water lines. The flushing, which can last as long as several hours, often resolves the problem.

WSSC does not recommend using discolored water to do laundry. If clothing gets stained, immediately wash the clothes again using a rust remover product. This type of product is available in most supermarkets or you can contact WSSC at 301-206-4001 or communications@wsscwater.com. For better results, do not let the clothes dry.

Experiencing discolored water? You can report it to WSSC at 301-206-4002 or emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com.