ALTUS, OK – Due to recent operational adjustments at their primary raw water source (Tom Steed Reservoir), the City of Altus is experiencing slightly elevated levels of Manganese in their water supply.

There is no health risk, however color, taste and smell may be unpleasant. (Manganese is a mineral that is similar to iron and is found in most water supply sources such as wells and surface lakes. And, like iron, it is considered an essential trace mineral for human health.)Altus water treatment technicians have taken steps to remedy this issue and expect conditions to be improving within the next 48 hours or so. Also, Tom Steed water technicians are aware and have further adjusted operations to minimize these effects.

To learn more about Manganese in water supplies, you can check out Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s fact sheet here:https://www.deq.ok.gov/…/SignificanceIronManganese.pdf