North Prairie Equipment issues at North Prairie Regional Water District’s water treatment facility at Voltaire have resulted in somewhat higher levels of iron and manganese, causing a brownish tint for some members. The water remains safe to drink, according to an alert issued by North Prairie.

Iron and manganese are commonly found in the earth’s crust and can dissolve into water passing through the soil and rock formations. Water obtained by North Prairie from the Voltaire Aquifer is high in the minerals, which are removed through aeration and filtering.

The issue affects District III, which includes Sawyer, Granville, Ryder, Max and associated rural areas. Discoloration of whites when doing laundry or fixtures is possible if use of the high-mineral water continues over an extended time. North Prairie states it expects the discolored water to move out of its system by the middle of next week.