My water tastes/smells funny. Does this mean it's not safe to drink? What should I do?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are a variety of factors that can impact the taste or smell of tap water but not change the quality of the water. In Charleston Water's case, algae in our surface water—when put through the treatment process—can give off harmless compounds that may cause the water to taste “earthy” or “musty.” In most cases, taste and odor are purely aesthetic concerns, and are not reliable indicators of water quality.
Related QuestionsMy water smells and tastes funny sometimes, is this safe?
New Page 2A harmless unpleasant taste or smell may occur from algae that grow naturally in lakes, rivers and canals. Some odor may remain present, even after the water has been treated and filtered at the treatment plant. Chlorine, used for disinfecting the water, may also produce a harmless taste and odor. Other causes may be bacteria growing in your water heater if it has been sitting unused or corrosion in the water heater internal anode. The most common odor causing problem comes from the drain.
Related QuestionsI have water that tastes and smells odd, is it safe to drink?
FAQsYes. The taste and odor is a palatability issue. There are no health hazards created regardless of the taste and odor.
Related QuestionsMy water tastes (smells) funny, who do I call?
NDEP: Bureau of Water Quality Planning - Environmental Labor...If it is drinking water supplied by a public utility, or is drawn from a private well, you should call the Bureau of Health Protection Services at 775-687-4650. If it is water from a river, stream, pond or any other surface or ground water source, call the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection at 775-687-4670.
Related QuestionsPeriodically, my water tastes and smells funny. Why does this occur?
The Village of Deerfield, Illinois - Village NoticesThe most common reasons for taste and odor problems with drinking water include chlorine that is added to the water to kill bacteria; Non-toxic algae, bacteria, and tiny fungi grow in surface water sources and give off non toxic, smelly chemicals that cause unpleasant tastes in drinking water. Different algae cause different tastes and odors, for example a grassy, swampy taste. The tiny fungi can cause an earthy musty taste; and Metallic tastes can come from iron rust in iron pipes.
Related QuestionsMy water test results were OK, but it still tastes/smells bad. What does that mean?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe EPA Safe Drinking Water Act groups contaminants into two categories: Primary (those with health effects) and Secondary (those with aesthetic effects). It is possible to have water with no Primary contaminants above the recognized limits, but with Secondary contamination which imparts a bad taste, color or odor. Therefore your water may have off colors or tastes, but have no health risks.
Related QuestionsMy water tastes of chlorine, is it safe to drink?
Drinking water FAQ: Environmental Health - Victorian Governm...When chlorine is used to disinfect water supplies, systems are operated so that a small amount of free chlorine remains in the water as it travels through the system, thus ensuring that the potential for bacteria to grow in the system is very low. Your water authority business can provide information about the quality and safety of your drinking water.
Related QuestionsMy water is brown (or cloudy, or smells bad, or tastes funny). What's wrong with it?
City of Raleigh | Water and Sewer FAQsCall the E. M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant at (919) 870-2870. Laboratory personnel will collect a water sample for analysis.
Related QuestionsQuestion: My water smells/tastes like chlorine is it safe to use?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAnswer: Probably. The City of Faribault adds 1.2-2.0 parts per million of chlorine to your drinking water for disinfection purposes. It also adds 0.5 ppm of ammonia to ensure chlorine will last thru the 130-mile water main distribution system. The taste can be improved by letting water stand exposed to air. If you feel it needs to be reported you can call: 507/333-0361.
Related QuestionsWhat if my water smells or tastes?
DWI - Information Leaflets - Chlorine, Taste, SmellWe would like to put your mind at ease. Drinking water in England and Wales is of a very high quality but you may sometimes notice a slight taste or smell, particularly of chlorine. If you do there is no cause to worry. BUT, if you notice a particularly bad or strong smell or taste which means you cannot drink the water, or you notice a smell or taste for the first time, you should contact your water company immediately.
Related QuestionsMy water tastes funny, what do I do?
FAQCall us on 0800 FOR WATER (0800 367 928) straight away and we'll investigate. The problem may either be in your domestic plumbing or in our system. If you have concerns about drinking the water, we can supply emergency bottled water.
Related QuestionsMy water tastes or smells different. What can I do?
Sometimes, pressure changes or flushing may be going on in your area without your knowledge and it may cause a temporary change in the taste or odor of your water. It is best to flush the cold water line in your bathtub for 15 to 20 minutes to get fresh water from the water main into your house.
Related QuestionsIs it safe for me to drink water from the tap?
NOVA Online | Bioterror | Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. It would be extremely difficult for a bioterrorist to contaminate our drinking water supplies to cause widespread illness. Huge amounts of water are pumped daily from our reservoirs, most of which is used for industrial and other purposes. Anything deliberately put into the water supply would be greatly diluted. Poisoning water supplies would require truckloads of biological or chemical agents that are difficult to produce and relatively easy to detect.
Related QuestionsHow is the water I drink made safe?
Ground Water - Introduction - FAQsDifferent treatment is used depending on the source of your water. Ground water taken from wells has been filtered through rocks, so it is usually quite free of particles. It can still contain chemicals and organic matter that must be taken out, though. If your water comes from a surface-water source, such as a river, some work must be done to get rid of particulate matter.
Related QuestionsWhat can I do if my drinking water tastes funny?
ROGERS WATER UTILITIES - Frequently Asked QuestionsYou could store some water in a glass container in the refrigerator. Aerate the water with a blender or mixer. Boil it, then refrigerate it. Add a little lemon juice to drinking water. [Return]
Related QuestionsI have had my filtered water in the fridge and now it tastes funny?
Everpure Water Filter Systems distributed by Water Filters A...Water is the best solvent on earth. If you leave water in the fridge without a proper seal / lid any smells or odours within your fridge will be absorbed by the water. The best solution is a container which has an air tight seal. Authorised Distributor: Water Filters Australia, Unit 11, 26 Wattle Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100 Australia. Ph 02 9905 6211. Fax 02 9905 6255
Related QuestionsMy water looks, smells and tastes great, why do I need a water test?
FAQBecause it's quite possible to be drinking contaminated water for years without knowing it. Often the most harmful contaminants have no obvious odors, colors or tastes.
Related QuestionsMy well water tastes/smells "funny" – what can I do?
Dave Jelinek Well Drilling, Inc. - Rhinelander, WIIf your well is not contaminated with anything unsafe you have a number of options from a variety of water conditioner companies. Additionally, it is possible to redrill into a different aquifer water source.
Related QuestionsMy water looks and smells awful, but the water department says it is safe to drink. How is that?
SDDENR Drinking Water FAQSometimes water may look or smell bad, and still be safe. Your water is tested regularly for bacteriological content. Compounds such as iron, manganese, and other sediments may give your water the appearance of being "dirty", without affecting its microbiological quality.
Related QuestionsIs the running tap water safe for drink?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Ghana: Global CrossroadIn most places in Ghana tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.
Related QuestionsIs the water safe to drink?
Frequently asked questions...African Safari ConsultantsThe water in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Windhoek is perfectly safe. While out on safari, however, only drink the purified water provided by your lodge, or drink bottled water.
Related QuestionsZedAway: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Tap water in some African countries like South Africa and Namibia is drinkable. However, many people suffer an upset stomach because they are unused to the bacteria in the water. Drinking mineral water is recommended. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda: While mains water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to stick to sealed bottled water, available from most hotels and lodges.Related Questions
Debbie's Dominican Republic Travel frequently asked question...Drink only purified or bottled water while in the DR. Hotels use purified water for washing and cooking food, serving in restaurants, making icecubes, etc. Do not drink the tap water in your hotel room - it is not purified. Hotels provide bottled or purified water for use in your room.Related Questions
Bolivia Tours & Travel - Bolivia Frequently Asked Questi...The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Bolivia. Bottled water is readily available for purchase at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice ("sin hielo") or ask your tour leader if the ice is safe in a particular restaurant.Related Questions
Is it safe to drink tap water in Thailand?
Bangkok Hotel Thailand - Amari Atrium Hotel Bangkok on New P...The tap water in Thailand is not potable. Complimentary drinking water is provided in all guest rooms.
Related QuestionsIs the water at Villa del Arco safe to drink?
Villa del Arco Cabo Beach Resort FAQ'sYes. Villa del Arco will have its own water purification plant. The purified tap water flows through the faucets in all the Suites. [Top]
Related QuestionsMy water smells funny. Is it ok for human consumption?
Austell Public WorksA smell in the water can come from a number of things. If you have a home filtration system in your house, that can cause a smell. A water sample can be taken for testing to determine whether your water is good for consumption.
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