Salina residents want answers and clean water

Jars, a bottle and a capsule of discolored, undrinkable and unsafe water shown up along the Dover Drive neighborhood in west Salina - Photo by Nicolas Fierro

By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post

“We just want answers and clean water,” said a Dover Drive resident on the water quality issue in the west Salina neighborhood.

After Monday's Salina City Commission meeting, the discolored, undrinkable and unsafe water along the neighborhood has gained public attention.

Sharee Spratlen, spokesperson and resident of Dover, urged the commission along with city staff for a permanent solution.

Spratlen said at Monday's meeting that she has been in consistent contact with the City of Salina’s Utilities/Water Department about this issue since July 23, 2025.

She said herself and the rest of the residents feel nothing was mentioned to the Commissioners or City Manager regarding their water problems since then.

Moreover, Spratlen and the residents want transparency from Commissioners, the City Manager and the Utilities/Water Department about what is being said on their concerns after Monday’s meeting.

Dover Drive resident Sheree Spratlen shows two containers of discolored water Salina Commissioners on June 22 - Screenshot of Salina City Commission public meeting

Coliform bacteria are present in this blue-green water capsule. <b>According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), if coliform bacteria is in your water, your risk of contracting an illness is increased, and you need to address the problem.</b> — Coliform bacteria are present in this blue-green water capsule. **According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), if coliform bacteria is in your water, your risk of contracting an illness is increased, and you need to address the problem.**

Frustrated residents

Salina Post sat down with five residents, including Spratlen to hear their thoughts about the issue.

Each of them shared the costs, upkeep, and cleanliness for their household items and appliances along with the emotions of frustration throughout their experience.

One resident (wanted to remain anonymous) said they had their sidewalk replaced due to the hydrant flushing collapsing it.

“The sidewalk was ruined, the street was ruined and everything was orange," the resident said. "If they (Utilities Department) saw how the sidewalk looked, then they know what the bathroom, kitchen and sink look like. It stains that bad that you have to use rust remover to get your appliances cleaned."

Sidewalk along Dover Drive, showing rusted/orange color - Photo taken by Nicolas Fierro on June 23, 2026

Another resident of Dover, Linda mentioned replacing her washer due to the quality of water. Both her and the resident mentioned having reverse osmosis as well. They have had to replace their filters (each costing $100 to replace).

“I can go right now and tell you my filters need to be changed again. When you open those cartridges and pull that filter out, it is orange.”

Both are next-door neighbors and were diagnosed with the same type of lung cancer in the same timeframe, while living on Dover Dr.

“Isn’t that a coincidence?” said Linda.

Each resident has expressed of spending plenty of money on consistently cleaning their appliances, purchasing bottled water and filters.

“That is something they don’t understand. You are asking to go to 2028 and keep doing this? It’s been too long and we have had enough.”

Salina Post spoke with the City of Salina Utilities Department regarding the discolored water along Dover Drive.

According to the Director of Utilities, Martha Tasker stated she has spoken with residents of Dover about the issue.

Tasker said back in 2011 - 2013, water main replacements were and are being conducted throughout the city. The Dover Drive project to replace the water main from Broadway Blvd. to Republic Ave. would be a 2028 project.

However, Tasker would like to move this project to 2027.

For this to be moved to next year, it would need to be approved by the City Commission.

The residents also mentioned that the water is not safe enough to bathe children in and they resort to doing it elsewhere.

Spratlen requested the city commission for reimbursement for the previously paid water bills, assistance for the cost of bottled water, while considering the damage to appliances and household items due to discolored water

Dover Dr. resident, Mike shows pictures of discolored water in his home - Photo by Nicolas Fierro

Persistence

Spratlen emphasized her persistence in expressing this issue to the commissioners at each public meeting, or in any way she could.

“I will keep on until I have something recorded or in writing with a date,” said Spratlen. “Once I have that and if it is not done by whatever that time is, we are going to court.”

Commissioner Doug Rempp was mentioned by the residents as someone who has the “best interest of the public."

“He reached out to me on Facebook after hearing about this on the radio (KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM),” said Spratlen.

She said none of the other commissioners has reached out to her.

“If the city can’t do this project right now, then it is their responsibility to find funds and take care of this. Not two years from now,” said Debbie, a resident of Dover.

Mike who moved into Dover in April 2025, discovered the discolored water when he first arrived. He questioned why the city was constantly flushing hydrants.

“This is a mess,” he said.

A community with a passion to help

Eagle Media radio station KINA, The Cozy Inn Hamburgers and The Granny Brigade have partnered for a community water drive to help Salina families affected by unsafe water across the city.