Dixon Water Treatment Plant – Pink Water Incident Summary
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
On Sunday, February 8, the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (ONWASA) Dixon Water Treatment Plant experienced an equipment failure that resulted in pink-tinted water for some customers in the Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Verona, and Holly Ridge areas.
Initial customer calls reporting pink discoloration in water were received at approximately 1:40 p.m. The first distribution crew was dispatched by 1:45 p.m., and Dixon Water Treatment Plant personnel were promptly notified and responded to the plant.
Distribution crews utilized multiple hydrants throughout the affected service area to flush the system. Crews reported that when pink water was encountered, it cleared quickly with flushing. At the plant, staff accompanied by the supervisor immediately began investigating potential sources of the discoloration. Plant personnel shut down the sodium permanganate feed to prevent any additional product from entering the system. Staff then opened the sample tap on the service water line in the permanganate feed room to determine whether permanganate was still present. While slight remnants were observed initially, the discoloration cleared quickly, confirming the breakthrough had already ceased.
It was determined that the most likely cause of the incident was an obstruction in the solenoid valve on the permanganate feed line. This obstruction created excess pressure within the feed line, which exceeded the pressure of the service water line and allowed permanganate to flow backward into the service line. The permanganate then traveled to the point where service water supplies the chlorine feed, resulting in permanganate entering the distribution system along with the chlorine feed.
The obstruction was removed, both solenoid valves were cleaned, and the system was returned to service. Distribution crews continued flushing affected areas into the evening and returned the following morning to perform additional flushing.
To prevent future occurrences, plant staff will install a double check valve on the service water line upstream of its connection to the permanganate feed. This installation is expected to be completed today, but no later than tomorrow. Additionally, the solenoid valves will be added to a quarterly inspection and maintenance schedule to ensure they are routinely opened, inspected, and cleaned to prevent buildup and obstruction.
Upon notification of the pink water reports, ONWASA issued public notices through its website and recorded phone line to inform customers of the situation and provide guidance on flushing household plumbing. A call was also placed to the North Carolina Public Water Supply (NC PWS) after-hours notification line. The NC PWS continues to receive updates and have approved all remediation efforts.
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