Why does my water taste or smell different sometimes?

It’s not uncommon to notice changes in your water’s taste or smell from time to time. These variations are typically harmless and can occur for several reasons, even though our water consistently meets all EPA safety standards.

Common causes of taste and odor changes:

• Chlorine disinfection - We add chlorine in some service areas to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, as required by EPA regulations. You may notice a chlorine taste or smell, especially after system maintenance or during hot weather when we may adjust disinfection levels.

• Temperature changes - Warmer water temperatures can make tastes and odors more noticeable. Cold water from your refrigerator or ice can help reduce any taste you notice.

• Naturally occurring minerals - Minerals like iron, manganese, or sulfur can affect taste and smell. The EPA does not regulate these as health hazards, though they may be noticeable.

EPA standards and safety:

The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act requires us to maintain disinfectant levels that protect public health. We continuously monitor and test our water to ensure it meets or exceeds all federal standards for safety.

What you can do:

• Refrigerate water in a pitcher to reduce chlorine taste
• Run cold water for a minute if it hasn’t been used recently
• If tastes or odors are strong or persistent, please contact our office so we can investigate
• For more tips, see How can I improve the taste of my drinking water?

When to contact us:

If you notice a sudden change in taste or odor, or if it’s accompanied by discoloration, please reach out to us immediately at [contact information]. We’re here to ensure your water quality and address any concerns.