WASHINGTON — Thousands of residents across Montgomery County have been complaining about discolored, brown tap water coming from their faucets in recent months, and utility experts are now offering an explanation.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission puts the blame on icy conditions that hit the region this past winter.

WSSC officials tell The Washington Post salt that was used to treat roads and sidewalks led to skyrocketing levels of sodium chloride in the water system. That prompted an increase in the mineral manganese, which is responsible for the brown color.

According to WSSC, many pipes in Montgomery County are old which makes them more susceptible to collecting manganese.

“We had historic levels of sodium chloride in the system, and now we’re seeing this happening,” WSSC spokesman Jerry Irvine told The Washington Post.

The levels of sodium chloride are the highest seen in the system’s drinking water system in at least a decade. Highway agencies doubt road salt is to blame because less was used last winter.

Since March, more than 3,000 people have complained to WSSC about brown tap water.

Although it is not visually appealing, WSSC says the water is safe to drink. Daily tests have not turned up any problems, according to The Washington Post.

Irvine tells WTOP the utility is getting about 20 calls a day on the brownish colored water.

Irvine says if the problem persists, and if it appears concentrated in a given area, the WSSC may target specific neighborhoods and flush those pipes as opposed to responding to the calls on a case-by-case basis. Irvine says WSSC is continuing to monitor the reports and reminds customers that although the water may look unappealing, it is safe.

When people complain, WSSC sends out crews to open fire hydrants to flush the system.

If you have brown water, call WSSC at 301-206-4002.