Mancos Rural Water Company

WATER QUALITY UPDATE: Understanding Jackson Lake's Fall Turnover 

Some residents are currently noticing a temporary yellow or brown tint in their tap water. We want to assure you: Your water is completely safe to drink, cook with, and use. 

What's happening?

Every spring and autumn, Jackson Lake undergoes a natural process called "lake turnover." As cooler air drops surface temperatures, the heavy surface water sinks, mixing the entire lake from top to bottom. This shifts safe, naturally occurring minerals (like iron and manganese) up from the lakebed. 

Why is it more intense this year?

Due to the inlet being shut off early, low water levels caused by severe drought, and higher summer temperatures, there is less water available to dilute these elements. As a result, the natural mixing process becomes more concentrated and may be more noticeable at your tap.

What you can do:

• Flush Your Lines: If you notice discoloration, run your cold bathtub faucet or hose outside until it flows clear. 
• Hold Off on Laundry: Avoid washing whites or light fabrics while your water has a visible tint to prevent temporary staining. If you've already washed laundry and it came out stained, do not put the clothes in the dryer. High heat can permanently set the mineral stains. DO NOT use chlorine bleach or regular detergent- this reacts with the minerals and can create permanent rust spots. 

How to save your clothes:

• The soak fix (Safe for Whites and Colors): Soak the wet clothes for 1 hour in a tub or washer filled with water, 1/2 cup Borax, and 1/2 cup white vinegar. The vinegar safely dissolves the lake minerals without fading color, while the Borax lifts them out. Run a rinse cycle afterward. 
• The Paste Fix: For tough individual spots, mix 1 tablespoon Borax with white vinegar into a paste. Rub onto stains, let sit for 30 minutes, and rinse cold. 
• Store Option: Rewash wet clothes using a commercial mineral remover like Iron Out once your tap water runs clear. 

Our crew is actively flushing water mains and adapting treatment processes at the plant to bind and filter out these minerals more aggressively. Water clarity will normalize soon as lake temperatures stabilize for winter. Thank you for your patience!