EDMONTON — If you’ve noticed a bleach or chlorine smell, or an odd taste to your tap water in recent days, you’re not alone. But there isn’t any reason to worry, according to EPCOR. The company fielded dozens of tweets about the issue Thursday.
As is the case every year in Edmonton, the company is responding to spring run-off: a temporary condition caused by vegetation, sediment and other organic material being washed into the North Saskatchewan River by melting ice and snow.
The run-off can create a distinct odour in water. Tim le Riche with EPCOR says most of the smell is removed during treatment, but some people may pick up on a bleach or chlorine smell.
“In essence, odor or taste issues related to spring run-off is purely an aesthetic issue. The water is safe to drink,” said le Riche.
Because the river is always changing, the treatment response does as well. That can result in a taste or smell that is stronger than normal. If it does seem odd, le Riche encourages residents to call EPCOR, just in case there is a localized issue in their neighbourhood.
“For that reason, we ask people to call in to 780-412-6800,” said le Riche. “Our Water Dispatch team will note addresses, and then can determine if there is a different issue beyond spring run-off.”
He adds that he expects the odour issues to dissipate over the next few days. Until then, le Riche says one way to make the water more enjoyable is put some lemon or lime slices in a jug of water and refrigerate it.
“This seems to work for most people.”
Comments