Stony Point residents have been living with brown water coming out of their faucets for the past several months, but now United Water has established the cause of the problem and found a solution.

Water company officials say a slight difference in pH and alkalinity levels, combined with high water usage, has contributed to the formation of the brown sediment. They say they're now going to make daily adjustments to provide relief.

In addition, United Water says it is considering relining or replacing the water mains, but that work isn't expected to start until the spring.

Frustrated residents, however, say they will believe it when they see it.

?It needs to be fixed immediately,? says Claire Schaper. ?If they seem to know what the reason is then let?s get at it.?

Schaper says she and her husband noticed the brownish residue a few months ago, and it had them concerned.

?It's not a nice situation, I don't like to ingest it,? she says. ?I use filtered water most of the time.?

Alex Saladini has the same problem. He installed a new shower in his house less than a year ago, and already it is decorated with brown rings left by the water, he says.

?Sometimes it smells, it leaves rings around the toilets in the shower, it?s disgusting,? Saladini says.

United Water claims, however, that despite the color, the water is still safe to drink. Representatives of the company say residents should notice a difference in the water in the next few weeks.