Residents in central and north Broken Hill say brown water is still coming out of their taps, more than two weeks after the issue was first reported.
Peter Jinks has lived in his house near the centre of the city for about 25 years.
He claimed the water quality at his place was not up to scratch.
"I boiled the kettle this morning to make a cup of tea and it tastes absolutely shocking," he said.
"It tastes metallic, it's very brown and it smells."
Mr Jinks said there had been times in the past when the water quality was impacted by the drought, but he believed this was different.
"It's certainly not drinkable, it's a shocking state of affairs," he said.
"Back in the day when there was no water in the [Menindee] Lakes and we were drinking filtered mud, that was pretty bad.
"But this is supposed to be cleaned water from the Murray River."
The ABC has spoken to several people experiencing similar issues to Mr Jinks, who have decided to remain anonymous.
'Safe to drink'
According to authorities, the water is still safe to drink and use — although they have acknowledged the community's frustrations and concerns.
Essential Water has promised to use locally sourced supply until the discolouration dissipates.
"The discolouration occurred in Broken Hill's water when high organics were observed in the Murray River supply," Head of Water Ross Berry said.
"The water was immediately switched to the Stephens Creek emergency supply, which resolved the discolouration issue.
"However, some discoloured water had already dispatched through the town's supply system."
According to Mr Berry, the safety aspect of the water treatment process was not compromised.
"Turbidity and chlorine levels remained in line with health guidelines for all water leaving our treatment plant," he said.
In a statement, Mr Berry assured Broken Hill residents that Murray River water would not be used until further discussions with Water NSW resolved the quality issues.
"Increased flushing around Broken Hill has commenced, and the Stephens Creek water is expected to be fully throughout the system by Saturday afternoon," he said.
