Missouri American Water said Monday, Oct. 12, that customers experiencing yellowish tap water could expect conditions to return to normal within approximately four more days, depending on their location.

The utility told FOX 2 on Monday, Oct. 12, that it has seen improvement in the water's color but that high demand and the size of the distribution system are slowing the recovery. The company said the discoloration is aesthetic and the water still meets primary drinking water standards. The utility said no precautionary boil water advisory was in effect.

Heavy rains in the Missouri River watershed changed the characteristics of the source water, causing the yellow or greenish tint, according to the utility's alert page. Households across several West County communities have reported the issue. Affected areas include Chesterfield, Ballwin, Manchester and Kirkwood, STL News reported.

Ballwin resident Kyle Gilhaus told FOX 2 he first noticed the problem while filling a bathtub for his children. "Saw something on social media about (it). Water's looking a little cloudy, a little yellow. And we were like, 'Oh, yeah, that's what we noticed,'" Gilhaus said.

When First Alert 4 reported on Oct. 9, the utility had not yet offered a timeline for resolution. Chesterfield resident Mason Poelker, a father of three who has lived in his neighborhood for nearly three years, told the station on Oct. 9 that the lack of communication was alarming.

Missouri American Water said it will continue monitoring the system. Residents with questions can call 1-866-430-0820 or check current advisories at amwater.com/moaw/alerts.