Chlorine smell, taste to water ‘normal’: Epcor

Some Edmontonians may have noticed the smell and taste of chlorine in their tap water. CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti reports.

Epcor says a chlorinelike smell or taste to Edmonton’s water is the natural result of treating spring runoff and that the water is still safe to drink.

Epcor is adjusting its treatment process to address a “higher rate” of materials from the spring melt in the North Saskatchewan River.

“The chlorine smell or taste Edmontonians may be observing in their water is the normal result of the treatment process interacting with sediment, vegetation and other natural organics,” the utility provider told CTV News Edmonton on Monday.

Edmontonians closer to treatment plants may notice a stronger smell or taste, which is expected to last for three to five days.

Epcor says it uses carbon, which is safe and is also used in store-bought filters, to remove most of the odour of drinking water.

However, it said Edmontonians can further mitigate any lingering smell or taste by running the cold water tap for at least three minutes in the morning or when it isn’t in regular use, adding lemon slices or juice, or using another water filter.

Concerns can be reported to 780-412-4500.

Epcor says the annual spring runoff is the most challenging event of the year for water treatment because weather conditions and the river’s water quality make each runoff unique.

It also said this year’s runoff is happening more rapidly than in previous years.