BONHAM, Tex. -- Bonham residents should now see clear water running from their taps. City officials say they have started flushing the water lines to get rid of manganese, a substance that occurs naturally in water that is safe but causes discoloration.

Bonham’s new water plant is using a new chemical to treat the city's water, and north Texas Municipal Water District officials determined that might have caused an adverse reaction with the manganese.

But officials say a total flush of the system will restore clarity.

"Our old plant has been operating for close to 40 years, and we have a new technology coming in with a new plant with a different treatment process, and some of the mains have been in place for hundreds of years," Ronald Ford, public works director, City of Bonham, said.

Officials say the even the discolored water is safe to drink, and the system flush should be completed by the weekend.