City of Wichita drinking water is producing an unpleasant taste and odor due to seasonal changes in Cheney Reservoir, but there is no health risk to the public, Public Works & Utilities officials said.
Cheney Reservoir, one of two primary water sources for Wichita customers, is experiencing the seasonal die off of algae, which releases into the water a compound called geosmin. Geosmin can cause unpleasant odors and affect taste.
Once the change in water chemistry was detected, the water treatment process was adjusted to account for the extra compound in the water.
City officials will continue to monitor the water quality and make adjustments as necessary. Customers will begin to notice drinking water return to standard quality over the next four days.
