Jun 23, 2026

City of Salina questioned about discolored water

Posted Jun 23, 2026 7:00 PM
Dover Drive resident Sheree Spratlen shows two containers of discolored water Salina Commissioners on June 22 - Screenshot of Salina City Commission public meeting
Dover Drive resident Sheree Spratlen shows two containers of discolored water Salina Commissioners on June 22 - Screenshot of Salina City Commission public meeting

By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post

A resident of Dover Drive in Salina addressed the City of Salina's board of Commissioners on the discolored water problem.

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

Discolored water in Salina home along Dover Drive on June 17, 2026 - courtesy photo
Discolored water in Salina home along Dover Drive on June 17, 2026 - courtesy photo

She asked the city for a permanent solution, 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.

Mayor Mike Hoppock said he will discuss with City Manager Jacob Wood and Director of Utilities Martha Tasker for a possible solution.

Tasker told Salina Post she has spoken with various residents of Dover about the issue.

Read moreCity of Salina speaks on discolored water at neighborhood

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.

“We will try to get you some answers and it needs to be made a priority” said Hoppock to Spratlen.

Wood said it is appropriate to conduct a meeting with the neighborhood on solving the issue. 

"It upsets you to the point that you just want to cry," Spratlen told Salina Post.