Inspectors checking discolored tap water in Compton

COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Inspectors from the California Water Boards are in the neighborhood in the Compton and Willowbrook area going to different homes following reports about discolored water.

Residents in the area say they've been seeing water that is dark and rust-colored.

The inspectors are checking the water and collecting samples to see what's in it.

Resident Martha Barajas said "We're scared. We hear about all these illnesses that can come from dirty water and we are in fear."

Residents say they are dealing with brown, rust-colored water. They feel this cannot be safe to drink.

"We see them here flushing that water hydrant but then half an hour later the water is brown," said resident Eddie Lewis.

The water in this unincorporated part of the county comes from the Sativa Water District. The service area is about half a square mile and has just 1,600 customers. The district says minerals from deep well water can accumulate inside water pipes and workers flush the system four times a year to clean it up.

In a statement Monday the district said, "...discoloration in the water we serve our customers leads to concerns about the safety and appearance of the water. The water delivered to homes during our flushing process may be discolored, but it poses no threat to resident's health and is safe."

But resident Karen Lewis is skeptical.

"I want to see them dip children or their grandchildren in that water or drink it or cook with it. It is not safe" she said.