Q: Why is tap water cloudy?
A: A major source of turbidity or cloudy water is sediment that finds its way into the water system. This is noticeable during periods of heavy, sustained rainfall when the forces of erosion are at a maximum in the watersheds. Also if water is very soft corrosion occurs within the water distribution system. Corrosion products (such as rust) can also discolor the water. There are a number of conditions which can result in local turbidity upset including construction or pipes being changed, high flows due to a fire or a flusher truck filling, or high flows due to hot weather. In general, anything that may change the flow of water and cause it to sweep particles into the water current may result in cloudy/colored water. Unless there is a general problem with cloudy water, flush the tap to clear up the problem. If this does not work, contact your municipality to flush the main(s) feeding the residence in question.

Q: I don't like the taste/smell/appearance of my tap water. What's wrong with it?
A: Even when water meets EPA's standards, you may still object to its taste, smell, or appearance. EPA sets secondary standards based on these aesthetic characteristics (not health effects) which water systems and states can choose to adopt. Common complaints about water aesthetics include temporary cloudiness (typically caused by air bubbles) or chlorine taste (which can be improved by letting the water stand exposed to the air).

Q: Why does my water taste and smell like chlorine?
A: All public drinking water supplies are required federal and state "Safe Drinking Water Regulations" to disinfect drinking water for health and safety reasons. Chlorine is a common disinfectant. For this reason some drinking water supplies my have a slight chlorine taste and odor present. Most over the counter filters should help to eliminate the smell and taste of the chlorine. Occasionally, (most commonly during the late summer/early fall or during the winter when the lakes are covered with ice) low levels of ammonia arising from natural processes can be found in the water. The ammonia combines with chlorine to produce chloramines which have a very chlorinous taste and odor. This is not harmful but can be very displeasing. The problem dissipates once sustained rainfall or spring snow-melt occurs which results in a good exchange of water through the lake. Recently concerns regarding the presence of chlorinated compounds in drinking water have become an issue.

Q: Why does my drinking water taste or smell "funny"? Will this smelly water make me sick?
A: The four most common reasons for bad tasting water or smelling water are;

a). A noticeable taste can come from the chlorine that is added to the water to kill germs. Heavily chlorinated water may contain "reaction products." These products cause no taste and odor and are limited by the US Environmental Protection Agency's rules.

b). A rotten-egg odor in some groundwater is caused by a non-toxic (in small amounts), smelly chemical- hydrogen sulfide - dissolved in the water.

c). As some algae, bacteria, and tiny fungi grow in surface water sources, they give off nontoxic, smelly chemicals that can cause unpleasant tastes in drinking water. Different algae cause different tastes and odors - grassy, swampy, and pigpen, as examples - and the little fungi can cause an earthy-musty taste.

d). Metallic tastes can come from copper that has dissolved from copper pipe and from iron from rusting on iron pipes. Copper can cause short-term health problems like diarrhea and cramping. Iron has no effect on health.