Taste and Odour in Drinking Water

The City of St. John’s water system is supplied from the protected watersheds of Windsor Lake, Bay Bulls Big Pond and Petty Harbour Long Pond.
 
During summer it is not uncommon for some residents to experience a slight ‘earthy’ or ‘musty’ odour and taste on their drinking water. This taste and odour is caused by trace levels of naturally occurring organic substances produced by plants and algae in the water source. The human nose is extremely sensitive to these organic substances especially when showering or making tea as heating the water increases volatility of the organic substances.
 
While the taste and odour of the water can be unpleasant, it is not harmful or toxic. The City’s water remains safe to drink and is analyzed daily for chemical and bacteriological parameters.
 
Since this is a naturally occurring phenomenon, it cannot be predicted how long it may persist. Past taste and odour events have usually lasted for up to two to three weeks. Residents can try adding lemon or other citrus fruits to their drinking water to alleviate the unpleasant taste and odour or by keeping a cold jug of water in the fridge. The City thanks residents for their understanding during this taste and odour event.
 
Residents concerned about their water can contact Access St. John’s by calling 311 or 754-CITY (2489) or by online web submission to be put in touch with a water quality expert.