The Orange County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on November 20, 2024, where residents voiced significant concerns regarding local water issues. A resident shared their frustrations about a water leak on Green Street that took six days to repair, highlighting a lack of timely response from the responsible utility service, RSA. The resident expressed dissatisfaction with the communication and transparency from the utility, giving a "minus one grade" for their hotline service.

During the meeting, the resident recounted their experience of running out of water during a dinner party due to a lack of notification about repairs. They also reported receiving brown water from their taps following the repairs, raising concerns about water quality and safety. The resident emphasized their ongoing distrust in the water supply, stating they continue to buy bottled water for their household and pets.

In response, utility representatives acknowledged the issues raised and explained that the brown water is often a result of disturbances in the aging pipeline system, which can release sediment. They assured residents that efforts are made to flush the system after repairs to minimize these occurrences. However, they also noted that if dirty water reaches homes, residents must flush their own systems and can receive a credit on their bills for doing so.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the community regarding water infrastructure and the need for improved communication and service from local utilities. The Board of Supervisors is expected to address these concerns in future discussions to enhance the reliability and safety of the water supply in Orange County.