In the midst of an extreme drought, California's residents know the value of good, clean water.

But families in one southern California town were understandably frightened when they turned on a water faucet and black water began flowing out.

"It’s disgusting," said Gardena resident Diane Morita in a KTLA.com report. "."

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They're being told by the local water company that the sludge is safe to use and even drink, the report added. A spokesperson for the Golden State Water Company said they do weekly tests on the water and haven't seen any safety issues.

But there's just one problem– residents are suddenly, and mysteriously, getting sick, and they suspect it's because of the water.

"Throwing up, going to the bathroom," said Emy Sebastian, a Gardena resident, in a KXAN.com report. "After two days, . After one week, I get sick, too."

Another resident, who refused to give her name, said her daughter has developed skin rashes recently and is blaming it on the water, KTLA.com reported.

In an interview with ABC7.com, Morita said the smell of the water– – is just too much for her family to take. They're done drinking Golden State Water Company's water until the nasty color is gone.

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Michael Korte and his wife Laura Whitney, pose outside their home lawn in Glendora, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2014. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)