Shelby, Iowa, is dealing with a troubling water contamination problem after potassium permanganate — a common chemical used in water treatment — leaked into the city’s water supply, turning it pink. The issue began on September 8, due to a malfunction with two of the city’s four water wells, which led to an excessive amount of the chemical entering the system.
Initially, city officials assured residents that the water was “safe to drink and use.” However, this claim was quickly overturned. Just two days later, officials issued a “do not drink” advisory because of dangerously high levels of manganese in the water. Manganese is a naturally occurring element, but in large amounts, it can pose serious health risks, particularly for infants. Excessive manganese consumption has been linked to developmental and behavioral issues in young children.
Residents have expressed significant frustration over the situation. Kara Robinson described the water as having a metallic taste, similar to “drinking straight pennies,” and reported that it frequently turned brown due to high manganese levels. The city’s response has included distributing free bottled water to affected residents, but many feel this is insufficient.
On September 15, city officials declared the water safe for consumption again. Despite this, the incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the city’s water management and its ability to handle such crises. The situation has strained relations between residents and city officials, with many community members feeling that their voices are not being heard.
