Taste and odour in water
|
Outside the new Water Treatment Station upgrade |
The occurrence of taste and odour in water is common throughout the world. These tastes and odours are cuased by a variety of factors such as seasonal changes in the Waikato River, location in the city, household plumbing and adjustments made in the treatment process.
Taste in water can also change following one's medical conditions.
Chlorine Taste
Chlorine is added to water at a level that ensures a small amount remains when the water reaches the household tap and is part of the water treatment process to ensure that any bugs are killed.
New Zealand has strict drinking water standards and Council continually monitors it's water supply to make sure that the supply complies with the standards. Some people may still find a slight chlorine taste or smell to the water.
Taste can be improved by:
- Flushing taps before taking a direct drink especially first thing in the morning and any other times after the taps are off for a while
- Filling a jug with water and exposing it to direct sunlight, leaving it uncovered for up to an hour
- Chilling the water in the fridge in an airtight container
- Adding a few drops of lemon juice or lemon slices to the water
|
|
|
Plastic or Rubber Taste
This taste can be reduced by flushing taps out for a couple of minutes and can be caused by:
- A garden hose being shut off at the nozzle but not at the tap. Algae can grow within the hose in the sun and the water from the hose can backflow into the water system.
- Appliance plastic hoses (washing machine/dishwasher) can cause taste or odour problems especially if they are recently installed.
Earthy, Musty or Metallic Taste
These tastes can be caused by the following factors and can be reduced by flushing your cold water taps for a couple of minutes.
- Home plumbing, for example, exposed pipework
- Changes in the Waikato River water source
- Operational procedures at the Water Treatment Station or or other maintanence work within the network.
Call your plumber if you believe the earthy, musty or metallic taste is caused by recent plumbing work and does not improve after flushing. |
Contact
Return to main page
|
City Waters
Level 5, Council Offices
Garden Place
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240
Phone: 838 6999
Fax: 838 6988
|
What should you do if you experience taste and odour in your water?
Flush your cold water taps for a couple of minutes and then try some of the tips above if it doesn't improve.
Phone the City Waters Unit on 838 6999. Our Customer Services Officer will ask you a few questions so that we are better able to identify what could be causing the problem.
For more information contact
Email
or call the City Waters Unit on 838 6999 for urgent matters.
