Shelby, IA – Earlier this month, the quiet Midwestern community of Shelby, Iowa, experienced an event straight out of Ghostbusters. On September 8, residents were startled when pink water, reminiscent of the infamous slime from the movie’s bathtub scene, began flowing from their taps. Locals reported that the water not only looked strange but also “tasted like pennies.”
The unexpected discoloration was caused by two of the town’s four water pumps failing to reset overnight, allowing an excess of potassium permanganate—a water treatment chemical—to flow into the supply. The result: bright pink water pouring from faucets, a scene that some residents jokingly compared to the eerie slime from Ghostbusters 2.
Despite the water’s odd color and metallic taste, city officials assured residents that it was safe to drink and use. However, many households opted for bottled water, which was provided by the city in response to the growing concern. “It tasted so bad, we didn’t want to bathe in it, much less drink it,” one resident said.
The city worked quickly to resolve the issue, and within a couple of days, the water returned to its usual clarity. However, the memory of that “Ghostbusters moment” still lingers in the minds of many residents.
