Discolored Water 'Poses No Threat To Residents Health,' Local Water District Says

COMPTON (CBSLA) -- Despite reports from Compton and Willowbrook residents of discolored water coming from their taps, officials say that water being supplied to residents is safe and meets health standards.

"It meets state regulations and federal regulations," said Sativa Los Angeles County Water District General Manager Maria Rachelle Garza regarding the district's water quality, "and it is rigorously tested and all of this data is provided to state water (regulators)."

The agency explained it's been flushing the 80-year-old pipes as part of an aggressive new program to remove mineral buildup. The local water district said it undertakes the process four times a year.

"Water delivered to homes during our flushing process may be discolored, but it poses no threat to residents' health and is safe," agency officials insisted.

But as CBSLA's Lisa Sigell reports, officials at today's press conference to address concerns were met by angry residents who say they are fed up. Many are already meeting with attorneys about a class action lawsuit.

Officials showed how it worked and the clean water after but people living in the area say it's been done before and they don't believe their water is safe to drink.

Regulators from both the county and the state collected samples from some area homes this week, but the results of their tests are still pending.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.) Wire services contributed to this report.)