A water issue that spans months in the Stanislaus County city of Hickman has led to daily shut-offs, a boil water notice and growing frustration among residents and school officials.
The problem began in March when clay from the walls of the city’s oldest well collapsed into the water system, according to Waterford City Manager Michael Pitcock. Although the water has consistently tested free of bacteria and is technically safe to drink, many residents have reported discolored orange or yellow tap water.
“It looked like sewage, like urine,” said resident Heaven Jobe, who lives in Hickman with her mother. “We’re boiling our water just to cook. They didn’t offer a single bottle of water. Not one.”…