Gardena Residents Ask Erin Brockovich For Help In Fight Over Water They Say Is Black, Murky

GARDENA (CBSLA.com) — Gardena residents battling their utility provider over water they say is black and murky have called on well-known environmental advocate Erin Brockovich to facilitate a potential class-action lawsuit and push for change.

About 200 people who met with Brockovich Thursday night at the Gardena Elks Lodge said they've had problems with their drinking water for months.

The residents say the water is sometimes black or discolored and oftentimes smells.

They say its ruined laundry and appliances and has increased their bills as they've had to run more water.

Some even say its caused health issues.

"Brown, green, yellow, sludgy, disgusting water and umm, 'Hurry up. This needed to be done yesterday,' " Brockovich said.

"I mean this is ridiculous. People are like, 'Oh, will you take a test?' I don't have to. This could cause serious illness immediately," Bob Bowcock, another environmental activist, said while holding a bottle containing water black in color.

But Golden State Water Company says changes have been made by flushing the water pipes, which Brockovich's team feels is a temporary fix that only wastes water.

In a statement, the water company said in part: "We have made great progress and believe that continued collaboration without unnecessary distractions is the best approach. We hope those attempting to enter the discussion now are doing so with the right intentions and not to advance their personal agendas."

The water company also said the water quality is in compliance with the law while Brockovich and her team say they will collect their own samples and push for more oversight.