Notice an odd taste or smell to your tap water in Central Kentucky? Here’s why
If you’ve noticed a strange smell or taste to your tap water in recent weeks, know you’re not alone and it remains safe to drink.
Last month, Kentucky American Water announced the start of its annual water distribution system flushing, something it does every spring to maintain its pipes and help clear them of mineral deposits and sediment build-up.
As part of the process, the company’s workers are opening hydrants and allowing water to flow through them at a high velocity in several Central Kentucky counties, including Fayette. It also entails de-chlorinating the water so it doesn’t harm the environment after it leaves the hydrants.
The process may have altered the taste or smell of your tap water in recent weeks, but Kentucky American Water says it remains safe to drink. It’s also expected to wrap up by late-May, meaning any change in smell or taste you’ve noticed should soon resolve.
If you’re curious about how the process works in more detail, here’s what to know.
Why does my water have a funny smell/taste to it?
Kentucky American Water crews are de-chlorinating the water before it’s flushed through the hydrants.
What that means in practice is the company’s three water treatment plants have temporarily changed the disinfectant used in the treatment process from chloramine to chlorine.
Compared to chloramine, chlorine is a much more reactive water treatment chemical, which explains why you might be noticing a different smell or taste to your water. Chloramine, on the other hand, is weaker but more stable and is effective at maintaining water quality over time without the detectable taste or smell.
The plants will switch back to using chloramine shortly after the hydrant flushing is finished. The switch back will take place Tuesday, May 20, Kentucky American Water said in an April 22 news release.
During the flushing process, the company says the amount of chlorine will remain the same, though customers may notice a stronger taste or smell of chlorine in their water. It poses no health risk.
“Yes, absolutely the water remains safe to consume during our system flushing and annual temporary water treatment change conducted each spring,” Susan Lancho, senior manager of external and government affairs for Kentucky American Water, told the Herald-Leader in an email Wednesday.
The company recommends customers refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher to remove any heightened smell or taste of chlorine. The taste or smell should disappear within a few hours.
What might customers experience during the flushing process?
During the flushing process, customers might experience a slight drop in water pressure or a discoloration in their water, according to Kentucky American Water.
If a customer does notice discolored water coming from their tap, they should run the cold water until it clears. Do not use hot water, as it can pull sediment into your water heater.
Customers should also avoid washing clothes with discolored water as it could stain clothing.
Kentucky American Water also advises dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners should take note and take precautions during the switch from chloramine to chlorine.
Most methods for removing chloramine from tap water also work for removing chlorine, but make sure you have a method for removing both.
Where will the flushing occur and when?
As of May 8, the flushing is ongoing in Fayette, Scott, Clark, Gallatin, Grant, Owen and Woodford counties.
If you’re unsure, you can check for flushing in your area on Kentucky American Water’s customer advisory map.
Customers with questions about the flushing program may also contact Kentucky American Water’s customer service at 1-800-678-6301.
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