Coweta families raise concerns over discolored water despite city assurances: 'Always been a problem'

Several families in Coweta are voicing serious concerns about their water quality.

We’ve covered this issue before — and one family says it's long past time for a fix.

The Ramirez family says they love living in Coweta — but the water is a different story.

They say it’s often yellow or brown, even though city leaders insist it's safe to drink.

⏱ TIMELINE:

🏠 January 2024 – The Ramirez Family Moves In

Adrian Ramirez and his family moved to Coweta with high hopes, but those hopes were quickly clouded by their water concerns.

"Some of the first experiences we had were we noticed our bath water would actually be brown at times," Ramirez said.

🔁 Long-Time Problem, Say Neighbors

After speaking with neighbors, Ramirez learned the issue isn't new — some have dealt with it for decades. His family now uses water filters and bottled water.

"My neighbor has lived here 25 years and said this has always been a problem," Ramirez said.

🧪 City Response: Water Is Technically Safe

City Manager Julie Casteen says the water meets safety standards for short-term use — but long-term exposure could be a concern.

"You’d have to drink this water for decades before it could actually cause any problems," Casteen said.

The city has mailed notices when the system violated drinking water standards and advised vulnerable residents to consult their doctors.

🚿 Families Still Worried

Despite assurances, the Ramirez family remains uneasy — especially when it comes to their newborn daughter.

"What worries us the most is bathing her, cleaning her bottles — anything that involves water and her health," Ramirez said.

City officials say improvements are underway, including installing auto flushers and upgrading the water storage tower to reduce contamination.

The city says residents can request testing through the Department of Environmental Quality.

Complaints from 2024:

Background: This issue made headlines in July 2024 when Coweta’s water superintendent resigned following mounting complaints.

👩‍👦 Another Family Speaks Out

Coweta mother Tori Burke, who has a one-year-old son, also worries about long-term health effects.

"It smells like sulfur. It’s stinky water. You get out of the shower and you smell stinky," Burke said.

💡 What’s Being Done?

Coweta officials laid out a multi-step water treatment plan last year, including:

1. Chemical treatment to reduce manganese and algae
2. Increased detention time in reservoirs
3. Mechanical repairs to equipment
4. A system-wide flushing program starting soon

📢 The city admits the water is not up to its standards and encourages residents to give feedback during the flushing process.

Image Provided By: Griffin Media