A Texas resident was reportedly shocked by white, milk-like water after moving into a new house in Mabank, WFAA reported.
Kimberly Hocknell was ready to begin life after graduation in her new home, but nine days after moving in, Hocknell’s mother tested the water and noticed a discoloration.
Hocknell said the water did not just look wrong; it also had a strange odor.
“I finally got into the house and found out that my water was not really drinkable,” said Hocknell.
Hocknell assumed it was because the house was new and the problem would correct itself, but she was wrong. She soon realized other community members were facing the same issues and complaining on social media.
“I was like, oh, it could be because it’s a new house. Maybe something is in the pipe, maybe it just needs to be left on for a little bit, and then maybe the water will turn clear,” she said.
SouthWest Water Company (SWWC) posted a boil notice on Facebook suggesting residents in several service areas boil their water before doing everyday tasks like preparing baby formula, brushing teeth, making ice, and giving pets water — which has been a problem for Hocknell and her pet turtles, Dean and Luna.
“I just have this fear that I am going to drink it, and I am going to get really, really, really sick, or my pets are going to get really sick by consuming the water,” said Hocknell.
Southwest Water Company has been closed for the holidays, but told WFAA that staff has been working around the clock during the holidays to get the issue fixed. SWWC has advised customers to call the emergency hotline for any issues.
SWWC is overseen by Texas Water Utilities, which released a statement: “Once Texas Water Utilities was alerted to the customer’s concerns this morning, we sent an employee to speak with the customer and flush their pipelines.”
After she spoke with WFAA, technicians went to Hocknell’s house to flush her lines for a second time. She said she now has clear running water, although technicians could not explain the smell.